1. A patient with hypertension is prescribed a beta-blocker

drug. The nurse knows that this drug works by:

a) blocking the effects of epinephrine on the heart and

blood vessels

b) inhibiting the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin

II

c) decreasing the reabsorption of sodium and water in the

kidneys

d) dilating the arteries and veins to reduce the workload of

the heart

*Answer: a) blocking the effects of epinephrine on the

heart and blood vessels*

Rationale: Beta-blockers are drugs that block the betaadrenergic receptors, which are stimulated by epinephrine

(adrenaline). By blocking these receptors, beta-blockers

reduce the heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac output,

thus lowering the blood pressure.

2. A patient with diabetes mellitus is prescribed an oral

hypoglycemic agent. The nurse knows that this drug works

by:

a) stimulating the pancreas to secrete more insulin

b) increasing the sensitivity of the cells to insulin

c) inhibiting the breakdown of glycogen in the liver

d) preventing the absorption of glucose from the intestines

*Answer: b) increasing the sensitivity of the cells to

insulin*

Rationale: Oral hypoglycemic agents are drugs that lower

the blood glucose level by increasing the uptake of glucose