Question

A nurse in a provider's office is assessing a client who has HTN and takes propranolol. What finding indicates an adverse reaction?

Answer 1

An indication of an adverse reaction to propranolol in a patient with hypertension is bradycardia, or a very slow heart rate. This can occur from blocking the beta-1 receptors, which can reduce heart rate excessively.

Step-by-step explanation:

An adverse reaction to propranolol, a β-blocker used to treat hypertension (HTN), can be identified by symptoms such as bradycardia, which is abnormally slow heart rate. Propranolol works by blocking β-1 receptors, which are bound by norepinephrine (NE) to regulate heart rate and blood pressure. Blocking these receptors reduces heart rate and helps control blood pressure. It is critical to monitor the patient for signs of an overprescription, which may include dangerously low heart rates that could lead to cardiac arrest, or in simpler terms, stoppage of the heart.