Clinical Nurse Leader Practice Exam

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A 65-year-old man is prescribed a beta-blocker for new onset palpitations. What is a primary action of beta-blockers?

Increasing the consistency of the heart rate
Decreasing the ability of the heart muscle to contract
Decreasing the chance of dysrhythmias
Increasing contractility and decreasing heart rate

The correct answer is: Increasing contractility and decreasing heart rate

The primary action of beta-blockers primarily revolves around their effect on the heart's activity and rhythm. Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart. This leads to a reduction in heart rate and a decrease in the force of contraction of the cardiac muscle, which helps alleviate conditions such as palpitations. By effectively reducing heart rate and controlling the heart's workload, beta-blockers can decrease the likelihood of dysrhythmias and improve overall cardiac stability. Their ability to stabilize heart rate is particularly beneficial during episodes of increased sympathetic stimulation, making them a common choice for managing palpitations and other arrhythmias. Although other options mention effects related to heart rate and contractility, the most accurate description of the primary action of beta-blockers aligns with the overall mechanism by which they operate in managing symptoms like palpitations, particularly through the decrease in heart rate and risk of dysrhythmias.