A patient has been prescribed an adrenergic-blocker for treatment of hypertension. What information should the nurse provide? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Standard Text: Select all that apply

Question

1. "Rise from a sitting position slowly."
2. "Sit on the side of the bed a few moments before you stand."
3. "If you feel dizzy, add more salt to your diet."
4. "If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down until the dizziness passes."
5. "Try to continue daily activities even if dizziness occurs."

Answer 1

1,2,4
Rationale 1: Patients who are starting on adrenergic-blocking drugs should move slowly from the sitting position.
Rationale 2: Sitting on the side of the bed will help blood pressure normalize before standing.
Rationale 3: Additional salt is not indicated for people who have hypertension.
Rationale 4: If the patient feels dizzy, sitting down or lying down will help to prevent falls.
Rationale 5: The patient should monitor dizziness and should take safety precautions until acclimated to the medication.

Global Rationale: Patients who are starting on adrenergic-blocking drugs should move slowly from the sitting position. Sitting on the side of the bed will help blood pressure normalize before standing. If the patient feels dizzy, sitting down or lying down will help to prevent falls. Additional salt is not indicated for people who have hypertension. The patient should monitor dizziness and should take safety precautions until acclimated to the medication.