A drug blocks the attachment of norepinephrine to 1 receptors. The patient may experience:
a. hypertensive crisis.
c. severe appetite disturbance.
b. orthostatic hypotension.
d. an increase in psychotic symptoms.
Answer: B
Sympathetic-mediated vasoconstriction is essential for maintaining normal blood pressure in the upright position. Blockage of 1 receptors leads to vasodilation and orthostatic hypotension. Orthostatic hypotension may cause fainting and falls. Teach patients ways of minimizing this phenomenon.