Pharmacology and the Nursing Process by Linda Lane Lilley: Practice Exam

When nonselective beta blockers are used with beta agonist bronchodilators, what is the result?

1. Enhanced bronchodilation

2. Diminished bronchodilation

3. No change in bronchodilation

4. Immediate hypersensitivity reactions

The correct answer is: Diminished bronchodilation

When nonselective beta blockers, which work to decrease heart rate and blood pressure, are used simultaneously with beta agonist bronchodilators, which work to relax and widen the airway in the lungs, the overall effect can be diminished bronchodilation. This is because nonselective beta blockers can potentially counteract the effects of the bronchodilators, leading to less airway relaxation and lessened bronchodilation. Option A is incorrect because the bronchodilation is not enhanced, but rather potentially decreased. Option C is incorrect because, as mentioned, there can be a change in bronchodilation when these two medications are combined. Option D is incorrect because this refers to an unrelated potential reaction to the medication combination, and is not the intended or expected result of using these medications together.