Pharmacology of Drugs Acting on Cardiovascular System Related

Review Pharmacology of Drugs Acting on Cardiovascular System related questions and content

The health care provider is planning to discontinue a patient’s beta blocker. Which instruction will the nurse give the patient regarding the beta blocker?

  • A. The beta blocker should be abruptly stopped when another cardiac drug is prescribed.
  • B. The beta blocker should not be abruptly stopped; the dose should be tapered down.
  • C. The beta blocker dose should be maintained while taking another antianginal drug.
  • D. Half the beta blocker dose should be taken for the next several weeks.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because abruptly stopping a beta blocker can lead to rebound hypertension, angina, or arrhythmias due to sudden withdrawal of the medication. Tapering down the dose gradually allows the body to adjust and reduces the risk of adverse effects.

Choice A is incorrect because abruptly stopping a beta blocker can be harmful. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests maintaining the dose while taking another antianginal medication, which may not be necessary. Choice D is incorrect as halving the dose without proper guidance can lead to inadequate therapeutic effect or withdrawal symptoms.