Which are conditions that may be treated using beta blockers? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A reason: The superficial veins of the arm are not a common source of emboli that cause pulmonary embolism. While blood clots can form in the superficial veins, they are less likely to travel to the lungs compared to clots formed in the deep veins of the legs.

Choice B reason: Emboli originating from the left ventricle typically travel to systemic circulation, potentially causing strokes or other systemic embolic events, rather than pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism results from a clot traveling to the pulmonary arteries, which is more likely to originate from the venous system, specifically the deep veins.

Choice C reason: Deep veins of the leg, such as those in the calf and thigh, are the most common source of emboli that cause pulmonary embolism. Blood clots, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), can form in these veins and dislodge, traveling through the venous system and the right side of the heart to the pulmonary arteries. This can result in a pulmonary embolism, causing symptoms such as severe chest pain and shortness of breath.

Choice D reason: Systemic arteries do not typically lead to pulmonary embolism, as emboli from these arteries would travel to various parts of the systemic circulation, not the pulmonary arteries. Pulmonary embolism is primarily associated with emboli originating from the venous system, particularly the deep veins of the legs.

Choice A reason: Preventing constipation is not the primary reason for prescribing metoprolol alongside nifedipine. While managing side effects is important in patient care, metoprolol does not have a notable effect on gastrointestinal motility to address constipation.

Choice B reason: Reducing flushing is not the main purpose of metoprolol. Flushing can sometimes be a side effect of vasodilatory medications, but it is not the specific reason for adding a beta-blocker like metoprolol to a treatment regimen involving a calcium channel blocker like nifedipine.

Choice C reason: Minimizing gingival hyperplasia is not the intended effect of metoprolol. Gingival hyperplasia can be a side effect of certain medications, such as calcium channel blockers like nifedipine, but metoprolol does not specifically counteract this effect.

Choice D reason: Preventing reflex tachycardia is the primary reason for prescribing metoprolol alongside nifedipine. Nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker, can cause vasodilation, which may lead to a reflex increase in heart rate (tachycardia) as the body tries to maintain blood pressure. Metoprolol, a beta-blocker, helps prevent this reflex tachycardia by slowing the heart rate and reducing the workload on the heart, thus complementing the antihypertensive effect of nifedipine.