A Patient Taking a Beta Blocker Complains of Shortness of Breath

question 2

Multiple Choice

A patient taking a beta blocker complains of shortness of breath. The patient has respirations of 28 breaths per minute, a blood pressure of 162/90 mm Hg, and a pulse of 88 beats/min. The nurse auscultates crackles in all lung fields. The nurse understands that these assessments are consistent with:

• A) bronchoconstriction.
• B) left-sided heart failure.
• C) rebound cardiac excitation.
• D) sinus bradycardia.

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Definitions:

Cirrhosis

A chronic liver disease marked by degeneration of cells, inflammation, and fibrous thickening of tissue, often caused by alcoholism or hepatitis.

Blackouts

Episodes of memory loss for events that occurred while a person was intoxicated or during certain medical conditions.

Stimulant

A substance that raises levels of physiological or nervous activity in the body, commonly used to enhance alertness, attention, and energy.

Amphetamines

A class of stimulant drugs that increase activity in the brain and have effects such as increased energy and alertness.