Beta Blockers Simplified: MUST-KNOW Uses, Side Effects & Nursing Tips for Exams!

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In this video, we provide a complete breakdown of Beta-Adrenergic Blockers (Beta Blockers) – essential drugs widely used in cardiovascular and neurological care.

🔍 What You'll Learn in This Video:
🔹 Definition:
Beta Blockers are medications that block beta-adrenergic receptors, reducing the effects of adrenaline (epinephrine) and norepinephrine on the heart and blood vessels.

🔹 Types of Beta Receptors:

Beta-1 receptors: Mainly found in the heart and kidneys

Beta-2 receptors: Located in bronchial and vascular smooth muscle

Beta-3 receptors: Found in adipose tissue

🔹 Mechanism of Action (MOA):
Beta Blockers prevent catecholamines from stimulating beta receptors, resulting in decreased heart rate, contractility, and blood pressure.

🔹 Therapeutic Uses:

Hypertension

Angina Pectoris

Myocardial Infarction

Arrhythmias (A-fib, VT, SVT)

Heart Failure

Migraine Prophylaxis

Glaucoma

Essential Tremor

🔹 Common Drugs:

Atenolol (Tenormin)

Metoprolol (Lopressor)

Propranolol (Inderal)

Carvedilol (Carveda)

Bisoprolol (Concor)

🔹 Side Effects:

Bradycardia

Hypotension

Fatigue

Bronchospasm

Cold extremities

Depression

🔹 Contraindications:

Asthma/COPD

Heart block

Severe bradycardia

Hypotension

Diabetes (masking hypoglycemia)

🔹 Nursing Considerations:

Monitor BP and HR

Do not stop abruptly

Caution in diabetics

Educate patients on signs of worsening HF

🔹 Patient Teaching:

How to take and monitor pulse

Importance of adherence

Reporting symptoms like SOB or swelling

Avoiding alcohol/OTC meds

Rise slowly to avoid dizziness

📚 References:
Lippincott Illustrated Reviews: Pharmacology (7th Edition)

Trounce’s Clinical Pharmacology for Nurses (18th Edition)

🎯 Perfect For:
BSc Nursing Students

NCLEX Preparation

Nursing Pharmacology Lectures

Clinical Nurses Refreshing Drug Knowledge

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