A Newly Diagnosed Hypertensive Patient Is Started on Prazosin,an Alpha

question 73

Multiple Choice

A newly diagnosed hypertensive patient is started on prazosin,an alpha adrenergic blocker.Within the hour,he complains of dizziness and loses consciousness.What has happened?

• A) The drug activated the baroreceptors, causing an intense parasympathetic discharge, and thereby increasing blood pressure and precipitating a mild stroke.
• B) The prazosin decreased his blood pressure too much; the drug-induced hypotension caused the fainting event (syncope).
• C) The prazosin caused spasm of the cerebral blood vessels, which, in turn, caused loss of consciousness.
• D) The patient experienced a hypertensive crisis.

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Definitions:

Agglutinated

The clumping together of particles or cells, often red blood cells by antibodies, typically seen in blood typing tests.

Anti-Rh Antibodies

Immune system proteins that target Rh antigens on red blood cells, important in blood transfusion compatibility and pregnancy complications such as Rh disease.

Transfusion Reaction

An adverse response that occurs when the immune system of a person receiving a blood transfusion attacks the donor blood cells.

Rh Factor

An antigen present on the surface of red blood cells, important in determining blood type and compatibility for transfusions.