Alpha Blockers Flashcards

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson
Download our mobile app to listen on the go
Get App

Questions and Answers

What do alpha blockers do?

  • Cause vasodilation (correct)
  • Increase muscle contraction
  • Block the binding of norepinephrine to smooth muscle receptors (correct)
  • Increase blood pressure

Which conditions are alpha blockers used to treat?

  • Diabetes
  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (correct)
  • Hypertension (correct)
  • Raynaud's disease (correct)

Name one medication classified as an alpha blocker.

Doxazosin, Prazosin, or Terazosin

What is a contraindication for doxazosin?

<p>Prior hypersensitivity to alpha blockers</p> Signup and view all the answers

List one contraindication for prazosin.

<p>Angina, hypotension, or orthostatic hypotension</p> Signup and view all the answers

What condition is terazosin contraindicated for?

<p>Hypostatic or cataract surgery</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common side effect of alpha blockers?

<p>Orthostatic hypotension (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Alpha blockers can cause significant _ upon the first dose.

<p>dizziness and syncope</p> Signup and view all the answers

Alpha blockers should be taken in the morning to prevent dizziness.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should clients be taught regarding medication?

<p>Not to stop medication abruptly</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards are hidden until you start studying

Study Notes

Alpha Blockers Overview

  • Alpha blockers induce vasodilation by inhibiting norepinephrine binding to smooth muscle receptors in blood vessels.
  • They also relax the prostate and bladder neck, beneficial for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Clinical Applications

  • Indicated for managing hypertension, BPH, Raynaud's disease, scleroderma, and pheochromocytoma.

Common Alpha Blocker Medications

  • doxazosin (Cardura)
  • prazosin (Minipress)
  • terazosin (Hytrin)

Doxazosin (Cardura) Specifics

  • Contraindicated for individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to alpha blockers.

Prazosin (Minipress) Specifics

  • Contraindications include angina, hypotension, and orthostatic hypotension.
  • Caution advised when combined with other antihypertensives due to risk of rapid blood pressure drop.
  • Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding clients, or those who have undergone ocular surgery.

Terazosin (Hytrin) Specifics

  • Contraindicated for patients who are hypotensive, have undergone cataract surgery, or have intraoperative floppy iris syndrome.
  • Allergy to quinazoline analogues also poses a contraindication.

Side Effects of Alpha Blockers

  • Common adverse effects include orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, nasal congestion, and impotence.

Nursing Considerations

  • Monitor for significant dizziness and syncope, particularly with the "first-dose" phenomenon; initial doses often given at bedtime.
  • Advise clients to change positions slowly to prevent orthostatic hypotension; categorize as fall risk.
  • Regularly check blood pressure, weight, and laboratory values such as BUN and creatinine, and monitor for edema.
  • Educate clients and caregivers on pulse and blood pressure monitoring; notify healthcare providers for abnormal readings.
  • Stress the importance of not abruptly discontinuing medication and the need to inform providers if unable to take it.
  • Discuss lifestyle modifications to enhance health outcomes.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

More Like This

Alpha-Blockers
18 questions

Alpha-Blockers

SensibleConnemara7909 avatar
SensibleConnemara7909
Alpha Blockers in Hypertension Management
10 questions
Diureticos e Agonistas pro Hypertension
10 questions
13-7
10 questions

13-7

ColorfulGraph avatar
ColorfulGraph
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser