Question

A newly diagnosed client with hypertension has just been started on a beta-blocker. While reviewing the patient's EMR, the nurse should notify the provider immediately if which of the follow is documented?

	A.	The patient consumes a glass of wine a day.
	B.	The patient has a history of asthma.
	C.	The patient has an elevated cholesterol level.
	D.	The patient has an allergy to penicillin.

Answer 1

Answer: The correct answer is option (B).The Patient has a history of asthma.

Beta blockers are contraindicated in Patients with history of asthma.In patients with asthma,beta blockers can cause increased bronchial obstruction and airway reactivity,as well as resistance to the effects of inhaled or oral Beta receptor agonists( such as albuterol or terbutaline). Even topical ophthalmic administration of non selective beta blockers for the treatment of glaucoma has led to asthmatic exacerbation. Although beta1 selective blockers are safer than non selective beta blockers,they should still be used with caution in patients with asthma,particularly in those with severe obstruction or markedly reduced pulmonary function at baseline.