A patient begins taking the calcium channel blocker, nifedipine [Procardia], along with metoprolol, to treat hypertension. The nurse understands that metoprolol is used to:

Choice A reason: Hepatitis B is a viral infection that is commonly transmitted through sexual contact, as well as through exposure to infected blood or body fluids. It is highly infectious and can be spread through unprotected sex, sharing needles, or from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. Hepatitis B can cause both acute and chronic liver disease, and vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection.

Choice B reason: Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through direct blood-to-blood contact. While it is less commonly spread through sexual contact compared to Hepatitis B, it is possible, particularly among individuals with multiple sexual partners or those who engage in high-risk sexual behaviors. Hepatitis C often becomes chronic, leading to serious liver damage over time. There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C, but antiviral medications can effectively cure the infection in most cases.

Choice C reason: Hepatitis E is primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route, usually by consuming contaminated water or food. It is not commonly transmitted sexually. Hepatitis E is more prevalent in regions with poor sanitation, and it typically causes acute liver disease, which generally resolves on its own in most healthy individuals. Prevention includes good sanitation practices and proper hand hygiene.

Choice D reason: Hepatitis A is also transmitted through the fecal-oral route, primarily by ingesting contaminated food or water. It is not typically associated with sexual transmission. Hepatitis A causes acute liver disease, which usually resolves without long-term liver damage. Vaccination is available and effective in preventing Hepatitis A infection.

Choice A reason: Autonomic dysreflexia is a condition that occurs in individuals with spinal cord injuries, typically at or above the T6 level. It is characterized by a sudden and severe increase in blood pressure (hypertension), accompanied by a slowed heart rate (bradycardia) and severe headache. This condition results from an exaggerated autonomic response to stimuli below the level of the spinal cord injury, such as a distended bladder or bowel, leading to the release of catecholamines and subsequent vasoconstriction.

Choice B reason: Hypotension and shock are not characteristic of autonomic dysreflexia. Instead, autonomic dysreflexia involves hypertension. Hypotension and shock are more commonly associated with conditions such as spinal shock or severe blood loss, not the autonomic crisis seen in autonomic dysreflexia.

Choice C reason: Extreme pain below the level of injury can occur in individuals with spinal cord injuries, but it is not a hallmark of autonomic dysreflexia. The condition is primarily marked by the triad of hypertension, bradycardia, and headache. Pain below the level of injury may be related to other complications of spinal cord injury but does not define autonomic dysreflexia.

Choice D reason: Pallor and vasodilation above the level of injury are not typical features of autonomic dysreflexia. In fact, above the level of injury, individuals may experience vasoconstriction and flushing due to the altered autonomic responses. The key symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia are hypertension, bradycardia, and headache.