Beta Blockers and ACE Inhibitors are used to manage what?

Appeared in: MP CHO-2018

Explanation

Beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors are primary, first-line drug classes for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure).
Beta-blockers (e.g., Metoprolol) work by reducing the heart rate and the force of contraction, which lowers cardiac output and blood pressure.
ACE inhibitors (e.g., Lisinopril) work by blocking the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which causes blood vessels to relax (vasodilation) and decreases blood volume, thereby lowering blood pressure.
They are also both indicated for the management of heart failure, often used in combination to improve patient outcomes.

Option B: These drugs do not treat diabetes itself. They do not lower blood glucose levels.
Option C: Non-selective beta-blockers are generally contraindicated in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Option D: This option is incorrect because a correct indication is listed among the choices.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pharmacological management of hypertension as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A key nursing responsibility is monitoring blood pressure and heart rate before and after administration. Hold beta-blockers if the heart rate is below 60 bpm and notify the provider.
Patient education is crucial. Nurses must teach patients about common side effects, such as the dry cough associated with ACE inhibitors, and the importance of not stopping the medication abruptly to prevent rebound hypertension.
What if? If a patient on an ACE inhibitor develops swelling of the lips and tongue (angioedema), this is a medical emergency. The nurse's immediate action is to stop the drug, ensure a patent airway, and escalate care immediately.

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 major cardiovascular drug classes. Both are widely known for treating high blood pressure.
Evaluate each option. 'Hypertension' is the direct and primary indication for both.
Consider the other options. 'Diabetes' is incorrect as they don't treat it, although ACE inhibitors are used for kidney protection in diabetics. 'COPD' is a contraindication for some beta-blockers.
Conclude that 'Hypertension' is the most accurate and primary shared indication for both drug classes.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 2 p. 37-39

E6 Pharmacology Katzung 16e p. 291-293

E6 Pharmacology Nurses Shanbhag 3e p. 103-105

Practise the full MP CHO-2018

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