Beta Blockers PreOp

[RNDarling]

I'm new to PACU and was just wondering why a preOp evaluation inquires specifically about beta blockers? Also, why do or don't you want a patient to have taken their routine beta blocker preoperatively? I'm just trying to better understand the significance of beta blockers in this specific setting.

Thanks!

[dianah, ASN]

I am not a PACU nurse but found this article:

https://www.ptcommunity.com/system/files/pdf/ptj2906380_0.pdf

I hope one of our PACU members will be able to weigh in with some information. :)

[offlabel]

It is a CMS Surgical Care Improvement Project Core Measure. There is some data to suggest that if patients that take beta blockers at home continue those in the perioperative period, as oppose to stopping them, they'll have lower perioperative morbidity and mortality.

[RNDarling]

Great article, thank you!

[RNDarling]

It is a CMS Surgical Care Improvement Project Core Measure. There is some data to suggest that if patients that take beta blockers at home continue those in the perioperative period, as oppose to stopping them, they'll have lower perioperative morbidity and mortality.

Thank you!

[HeySis, BSN, RN]

What I have been told was that you never should should suddenly stop taking beta blockers or miss a dose, it can lead to dangerous rhythms, extremely high BP's and runs the risk of a MI. It is one of the very few medications that we have pts take the morning of surgery (if that is their normal time to take it.) Even those not having surgery should not abruptly stop taking beta blockers. I have had one or two patient that did not take their beta blockers and the spent abnormally long times in the PACU dealing with elevated BPs.

[murseman24, MSN, CRNA]

It decreases the risk of MI