A client with hypertension is prescribed a beta blocker. The effects that this medication will have on the client's blood pressure are due to which factors?

Question

Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. Reduced myocardial contractility
2. Reduced release of renin
3. Relaxed arteriole smooth muscle
4. Reduced sympathetic output from the brain
5. Reduced lipolysis

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1,2,3,4
Rationale 1: Diminished myocardial contractility decreases cardiac output.
Rationale 2: The release of renin by the kidney, which is normally stimulated by catecholamines, is prevented.
Rationale 3: The nonselective adrenergic antagonists block alpha1-adrenergic receptors, relaxing arteriolar smooth muscle.
Rationale 4: Central actions reduce sympathetic output from the vasomotor center in the brain.
Rationale 5: Nonselective beta blockers may increase serum triglycerides and decrease high-density lipoproteins.
Global Rationale: Diminished myocardial contractility decreases cardiac output. The release of renin by the kidney, which is normally stimulated by catecholamines, is prevented. The nonselective adrenergic antagonists block alpha1-adrenergic receptors, relaxing arteriolar smooth muscle. Central actions reduce sympathetic output from the vasomotor center in the brain. Nonselective beta blockers may increase serum triglycerides and decrease high-density lipoproteins.