Cardiac-Vascular Nursing (CVRN) Practice Exam

Which vital sign change should be closely monitored in a patient taking beta-blockers for hypertension?

1. Increased blood pressure

2. Bradycardia

3. Increased respiratory rate

4. Hyperthermia

The correct answer is: Bradycardia

Monitoring for bradycardia in patients taking beta-blockers is critical due to the pharmacological effects these medications have on the cardiovascular system. Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on beta-adrenergic receptors, which leads to a decrease in heart rate and contractility. While this is beneficial for controlling hypertension and reducing cardiac workload, it can cause significant drops in heart rate, leading to bradycardia. Bradycardia can manifest as symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, or even syncope, and it may not always be symptomatic, making vigilant monitoring essential. In some cases, if the heart rate falls too low, it can pose serious risks, including decreased cardiac output and the potential for arrhythmias. The other vital signs mentioned, such as increased blood pressure, increased respiratory rate, and hyperthermia, are generally not direct concerns associated with beta-blocker therapy in this context. Increased blood pressure might indicate inadequate medication control or noncompliance, while increased respiratory rate and hyperthermia are typically associated with other clinical conditions rather than a direct side effect of beta-blockers. Thus, bradycardia is the most pertinent vital sign change that requires close observation.