A patient taking reserpine (Serpasil) for hypertension is admitted to the hospital. Upon assessment, the patient's vital signs reveal: pulse 58/minute, BP 108/42, temperature 98.0° F, respirations 16/minute
The nurse is correct to suspect that the patient has experienced which of the following effects?
a. Toxicity
b. A side effect
c. A severe allergic reaction
d. A nontherapeutic response
ANS: B
Centrally acting alpha-adrenergic blockers, such as reserpine, stimulate alpha receptors in the central nervous system to inhibit vasoconstriction, thus reducing peripheral resistance; they therefore are used to treat hypotension. Common side effects include bradycardia, which the patient is exhibiting.
Reserpine toxicity results in severe bradycardia and marked hypotension, neither of which is evident in this patient.
There is no indication that a severe allergic response has occurred in this patient.
The patient's blood pressure is within normal limits, therefore a therapeutic response has occurred.
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