Which statement demonstrates that a client prescribed a non-selective beta-blocker requires additional education regarding side effects?

Which statement demonstrates that a client prescribed a non-selective beta-blocker requires additional education regarding side effects?

• A. "I will know when my glucose is low because I will feel dizzy."
• B. "My heart will race when my glucose is low."
• C. "I may experience fatigue when taking this medication."
• D. "I should regularly check my blood sugar levels."

Answer: (B)

The statement indicating that the heart will race when glucose is low reflects a misunderstanding of how non-selective beta-blockers can affect symptoms of hypoglycemia. Non-selective beta-blockers inhibit both beta-1 and beta-2 adrenergic receptors, which can mask the typical adrenergic symptoms associated with low glucose levels, such as tachycardia (increased heart rate). Consequently, when a person experiences hypoglycemia, they may not necessarily feel an increased heart rate due to the medication's action. The other statements reflect a proper understanding of the side effects and necessary monitoring associated with non-selective beta-blockers. For example, being aware of the possibility of fatigue aligns with common side effects of beta-blockers. Regularly checking blood sugar levels is an important practice for someone on a non-selective beta-blocker, as it helps manage the risk of undetected hypoglycemia. Recognizing that dizziness can be a sign of low glucose, although not definitive, indicates some understanding of how hypoglycemia might present. In summary, the statement about the heart racing demonstrates a gap in knowledge regarding how non-selective beta-blockers influence the body's response to low blood sugar, prompting the need for further education on side effects and

The statement indicating that the heart will race when glucose is low reflects a misunderstanding of how non-selective beta-blockers can affect symptoms of hypoglycemia. Non-selective beta-blockers inhibit both beta-1 and beta-2 adrenergic receptors, which can mask the typical adrenergic symptoms associated with low glucose levels, such as tachycardia (increased heart rate). Consequently, when a person experiences hypoglycemia, they may not necessarily feel an increased heart rate due to the medication's action.

The other statements reflect a proper understanding of the side effects and necessary monitoring associated with non-selective beta-blockers. For example, being aware of the possibility of fatigue aligns with common side effects of beta-blockers. Regularly checking blood sugar levels is an important practice for someone on a non-selective beta-blocker, as it helps manage the risk of undetected hypoglycemia. Recognizing that dizziness can be a sign of low glucose, although not definitive, indicates some understanding of how hypoglycemia might present.

In summary, the statement about the heart racing demonstrates a gap in knowledge regarding how non-selective beta-blockers influence the body's response to low blood sugar, prompting the need for further education on side effects and