client on beta blocker with no history of hypertension or cardiac disease.

[ADPIE1]

An 83-year-old female patient, a hospital nurse notes that the woman has been taking a beta-blocker for many years despite no apparent history of hypertension or cardiac disease...

what would you do?

[RNCEN]

Why does the patient think she is taking it?

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

There are multiple uses for beta blockers outside of HTN and heart disease. How could you investigate those?

[ImThatGuy, BSN, RN]

The next thing that comes to my mind is anxiety.

Why question it? She's been taking it forever with no apparent detriment. Sure, there's a reason. Read the charts. Ask the doctor or someone who knows.

[caliotter3]

Beta blockers are commonly prescribed for anxiety. Some research into her records should reveal the reason it was originally prescribed.

[Butterfly0328]

A friend of mine takes beta blockers to control her panic disorder. It has been a godsend for her.

[CrazierThanYou]

It's also used for tachycardia.

[FLDoula]

I have symptomatic benign PVC's and took beta blockers for about 5 years (now if I don't feel PVC's I get worried. ) Also had anxiety for a few years because of it....the reason the cardiologist prescribed atenolol.

[CrazierThanYou]

I have symptomatic benign PVC's and took beta blockers for about 5 years (now if I don't feel PVC's I get worried. ) Also had anxiety for a few years because of it....the reason the cardiologist prescribed atenolol.

I wonder if some work better for anxiety than others. My doctor put me on metoprolol but I can't tell its helped with my anxiety.

[Staragate, ADN, ASN, RN]

Also, Inderal is prescribed for migraine prevention.

[CompleteUnknown]

Have seen Inderal used for essential tremor too.

[anonymousstudent]

It's also used for tachycardia.

YES. That's exactly what I was going to suggest. Maybe she's routinely tachy. The -olol drugs effect heart RATE, aside from HTN.