A patient who takes a beta adrenergic blocker is at risk of developing shock after an accident. The nurse is aware that the patient's medication use may alter which assessment finding associated with shock?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Beta adrenergic blockers work by blocking the effects of epinephrine and norepinephrine, which are hormones that increase heart rate and blood pressure. In the context of shock, tachycardia (rapid heart rate) is a compensatory mechanism to maintain blood pressure. With beta blocker use, this compensatory mechanism is blunted, and the patient may not exhibit tachycardia even in the presence of hypotension, which can delay recognition and treatment of shock.  Declining mental status, cyanosis, and tachypnea are not directly affected by beta blocker use in the context of shock.

A Patient Who Takes a Beta Adrenergic Blocker Is at Risk