Question

Bradycardia, AV block, hypotension in the setting of medicine overdose indicate __?

a) Calcium channel blocker toxicity
b) Beta-blocker toxicity
c) Digoxin toxicity
d) Opioid toxicity

Answer 1

Beta-blocker toxicity is indicated by symptoms such as bradycardia, AV block, and hypotension. This occurs because beta-blockers inhibit adrenaline's effect on the heart, leading to a slower heart rate and potentially dangerous decreases in blood pressure.

Step-by-step explanation:

Bradycardia, AV block, and hypotension in the setting of medicine overdose indicate beta-blocker toxicity. Beta-blockers work by blocking G-protein-linked receptors in the heart muscles, thus inhibiting the effects of adrenaline on the heart. This leads to a slower heart rate (bradycardia) and can affect the electrical conduction system of the heart (AV block). Too much of this medication can cause dangerously low blood pressure (hypotension) and can even lead to heart stoppage. Notably, beta-blockers, as negative inotropic agents, decrease the strength of heart muscle contractions and are used to treat conditions like hypertension and angina pectoris.