How does propranolol (Inderal), a beta blocker medication, control hypertension?
Reduces the sympathetic stimulation in cardiac muscle
Increases the diuretic response in the renal tubules
Inhibits the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II
Blocks alpha receptors throughout the body
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: This is the correct mechanism of action of propranolol. Propranolol is a beta blocker medication, which means that it blocks the beta receptors in the heart and blood vessels. This reduces the sympathetic stimulation in cardiac muscle, which lowers the heart rate, contractility, and oxygen demand. This also reduces the renin release from the kidneys, which lowers the blood pressure.
Choice B reason: This is not the mechanism of action of propranolol. Propranolol does not increase the diuretic response in the renal tubules. This is the effect of diuretic medications, such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide, which increase the urine output and decrease the blood volume and pressure.
Choice C reason: This is not the mechanism of action of propranolol. Propranolol does not inhibit the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. This is the effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as lisinopril or enalapril, which block the formation of angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor that raises the blood pressure.
Choice D reason: This is not the mechanism of action of propranolol. Propranolol does not block alpha receptors throughout the body. This is the effect of alpha blockers, such as doxazosin or prazosin, which block the alpha receptors in the blood vessels and cause vasodilation, which lowers the blood pressure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not the agent that the nurse should question. Beta blockers are a class of medications that lower the blood pressure and heart rate by blocking the beta receptors in the heart and blood vessels. They can be used to treat hypertension, angina, heart failure, and arrhythmias. They do not cause edema or hyperkalemia.
Choice B reason: This is not the agent that the nurse should question. Alpha 2 agonists are a class of medications that lower the blood pressure by stimulating the alpha 2 receptors in the brain, which reduce the sympathetic nervous system activity. They can be used to treat hypertension, especially in patients with renal impairment. They do not cause edema or hyperkalemia.
Choice C reason: This is not the agent that the nurse should question. Calcium channel blockers are a class of medications that lower the blood pressure and heart rate by blocking the calcium channels in the heart and blood vessels, which cause vasodilation and reduced cardiac contractility. They can be used to treat hypertension, angina, and arrhythmias. They may cause edema, but not hyperkalemia.
Choice D reason: This is the agent that the nurse should question. Aldosterone antagonists are a class of medications that lower the blood pressure and reduce fluid retention by blocking the action of aldosterone, a hormone that regulates the sodium and potassium balance in the body. They can be used to treat hypertension and heart failure, especially in patients with low renin levels. However, they can cause hyperkalemia, which can be dangerous for the patient. The nurse should question the prescriber about the rationale for prescribing this agent and monitor the patient's potassium level closely.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Potassium is not restricted in the management of high blood pressure. In fact, potassium can help lower blood pressure by balancing the effects of sodium and relaxing the blood vessel walls.
Choice B reason: Magnesium is not restricted in the management of high blood pressure. Magnesium can also help lower blood pressure by regulating the calcium channels and improving the endothelial function.
Choice C reason: Calcium is not restricted in the management of high blood pressure. Calcium can also help lower blood pressure by inhibiting the renin-angiotensin system and reducing the vascular resistance.
Choice D reason: Sodium is restricted in the management of high blood pressure. Sodium can increase blood pressure by retaining water in the body and increasing the blood volume and pressure.
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