A patient is given a drug for the first time and develops shortness of breath. The patient’s heart rate is 76 beats per minute, the respiratory rate is 20 breaths per minute, and the blood pressure is 120/70 mm Hg. The nurse checks a drug administration manual to make sure the correct dose was given and learns that some patients taking the drug experience shortness of breath. The nurse will contact the provider to report what?

Choice A Reason:

Beta2 activation results in bronchodilation. This is a well-known effect where the activation of beta2 adrenergic receptors in the smooth muscle of the airways leads to relaxation and widening of the airways, making it easier to breathe. This effect is commonly utilized in the treatment of asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Choice B Reason:

Beta2 activation also results in glycogenolysis. This process involves the breakdown of glycogen into glucose, which increases blood sugar levels. This effect is part of the body’s response to stress, providing additional energy for the “fight or flight” response.

Choice C Reason:

Beta2 activation results in vasodilation of skeletal muscles. This means that the blood vessels supplying the skeletal muscles widen, increasing blood flow to these muscles. This effect helps to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles during periods of increased activity.

Choice D Reason:

This is the correct answer. Beta2 activation does not result in the contraction of uterine muscle; rather, it causes relaxation of the uterine smooth muscle. This effect is beneficial in preventing premature labor by reducing uterine contractions. Therefore, the statement that beta2 activation results in contraction of uterine muscle is incorrect and indicates a need for further teaching.

Choice A Reason:

Disease treatment refers to the management and care of a patient to combat a disease or condition. This includes interventions aimed at curing the disease, alleviating symptoms, or preventing complications. While physical therapy can be part of disease treatment, in the context of a heart attack, it is more accurately described as a form of tertiary prevention.

Choice B Reason:

Tertiary prevention involves measures taken to reduce the impact of an ongoing illness or injury that has lasting effects. This includes rehabilitation and efforts to prevent further complications or deterioration. Physical therapy after a heart attack is a classic example of tertiary prevention, as it aims to improve the patient’s quality of life, enhance physical function, and prevent further cardiac events.

Choice C Reason:

Secondary prevention focuses on early detection and prompt intervention to prevent the progression of a disease. This includes screening tests and early treatment of conditions to halt or slow their progression. In the case of heart disease, secondary prevention might involve regular monitoring of blood pressure and cholesterol levels to detect and manage risk factors early.

Choice D Reason:

Primary prevention aims to prevent the onset of disease before it occurs by reducing risk factors and promoting healthy behaviors. This includes lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and smoking cessation to prevent the development of heart disease in the first place. Physical therapy after a heart attack does not fall under primary prevention, as it is an intervention after the disease has already occurred.