A nurse administering psychotropic medications should be prepared to intervene when giving a drug that blocks the attachment of norepinephrine to alpha₁ receptors because the patient may experience:

A) increased psychotic symptoms.
B) severe appetite disturbance.
C) orthostatic hypotension.
D) hypertensive crisis.

Question

Violetta Aronov · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : C, Explanation :  Sympathetic-mediated vasoconstriction is essential for maintaining normal blood pressure in the upright position. Blockage of alpha 1  receptors leads to vasodilation and orthostatic hypotension. Orthostatic hypotension may cause fainting and falls. Patients should be taught ways of minimizing this phenomenon.

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