Beta Blocker and ACE Inhibitors are used to treat what?

Appeared in: MP CHO -2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Both Beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors are primary, first-line drug classes used in the management of hypertension.
Beta-blockers, such as metoprolol, work by blocking beta-receptors in the heart, which reduces heart rate, decreases the force of heart contractions, and ultimately lowers blood pressure.
ACE inhibitors, such as lisinopril, work by blocking the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). This prevents the formation of angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor, leading to blood vessel relaxation and lower blood pressure.

Option B: These drugs do not lower blood glucose levels and are not a treatment for diabetes mellitus.
Option C: These drugs are not used to treat COPD. Non-selective beta-blockers can worsen COPD by causing bronchospasm.
Option D: This option is incorrect because a correct option (Hypertension) is available.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pharmacological treatment of hypertension as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A critical nursing responsibility is to assess the patient's blood pressure and heart rate before administering any antihypertensive medication. Hold the dose and notify the provider if BP is too low (e.g., SBP less than 90-100 mmHg) or if heart rate is too low (e.g., less than 60 bpm for beta-blockers).
Patient education is key. Nurses must teach patients about common side effects, such as the dry cough from ACE inhibitors or dizziness with beta-blockers, to promote adherence and safety.
What if? If a patient on an ACE inhibitor develops a persistent, bothersome dry cough, the provider will likely switch them to an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB), like losartan, which has a similar mechanism but does not cause a cough.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the drug classes mentioned in the question: Beta-Blockers and ACE Inhibitors.
Recall the primary therapeutic use for these two major cardiovascular drug categories. Both are widely known as antihypertensives.
Evaluate the given options. 'Hypertension' directly matches the primary indication for both drug classes.
Consider the other options to confirm they are incorrect. 'Diabetes' is incorrect because these drugs don't manage blood sugar. 'COPD' is incorrect as beta-blockers can be contraindicated.
Conclude that Hypertension is the correct answer, as it is the main condition treated by both Beta-Blockers and ACE Inhibitors.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 2 pp. 37-39, 5-7

E6 Pharmacology Katzung 16e p. 291-293

Practise the full MP CHO -2019 (Shift-2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.