Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary action of Cardiotonics?
What is the primary action of Cardiotonics?
Anticoagulants increase blood clotting.
Anticoagulants increase blood clotting.
False (B)
Digoxin is commonly used for patients with __________.
Digoxin is commonly used for patients with __________.
CHF (Congestive Heart Failure)
What is the normal range for Digoxin blood levels?
What is the normal range for Digoxin blood levels?
Signup and view all the answers
Which side effects are associated with digoxin toxicity?
Which side effects are associated with digoxin toxicity?
Signup and view all the answers
What should you do if a patient has a pulse of 60 bpm or less before administering digoxin?
What should you do if a patient has a pulse of 60 bpm or less before administering digoxin?
Signup and view all the answers
Which medication is classified as an anti-dysrhythmic?
Which medication is classified as an anti-dysrhythmic?
Signup and view all the answers
Calcium Channel Blockers can help in treating hypertension.
Calcium Channel Blockers can help in treating hypertension.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the antidote for Warfarin?
What is the antidote for Warfarin?
Signup and view all the answers
Name one common side effect of nitrates used for angina.
Name one common side effect of nitrates used for angina.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following cardiac drug classifications with their primary effects:
Match the following cardiac drug classifications with their primary effects:
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Types of Cardiac Medications
- Cardiotonics (Cardiac Glycosides): Enhance heart contraction and efficiency.
- Anti-Dysrhythmics/Anti-Arrhythmics: Classified by effects on cardiac conduction; manage irregular heartbeats.
- Anti-Anginals: Includes beta blockers and calcium channel blockers; relieve heart pain.
- Antihypertensives: Various classes including ACE inhibitors and diuretics; lower high blood pressure.
- Anticoagulants: Prevent blood clotting through different mechanisms; may require monitoring.
- Anticoagulant Antagonists: Counteract anticoagulant effects; examples include protamine sulfate and vitamin K.
Cardiotonics
- Digoxin (Lanoxin): Common cardiotonic derived from foxglove plant; increases cardiac output and decreases heart rate.
- Effects: Positive inotropic (strenthens heart contractions) and negative chronotropic (slows heart rate).
- Uses: Heart failure symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, and edema.
- Safety Measures: Check radial pulse for one full minute; do not administer if pulse is 60 bpm or less.
- Toxicity Signs: Anorexia, nausea, blurred vision, green/yellow vision, and dysrhythmias. Normal blood levels: 0.5-2 ng/ml.
- Digibind: Used for reversing digoxin toxicity.
Anti-Dysrhythmia Drugs
- Dysrhythmia Types: Include atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, premature ventricular contractions (PVC), ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation.
- Class I: Sodium Channel Blockers: Examples are Norpace and Xylocaine; used for various ventricular dysrhythmias.
- Class II: Beta-Adrenergic Blockers: Reduce heart rate and are beneficial post-myocardial infarction; include Inderal and Atenolol.
- Class III: Potassium Channel Blockers: Used for life-threatening ventricular dysrhythmias; include Cordarone (amiodarone).
- Class IV: Calcium Channel Blockers: Dilation of coronary and peripheral blood vessels; monitor blood pressure and heart rate.
Anti-Anginals
- Purpose: Relieve chest pain due to reduced oxygen to the heart.
- Organic Nitrates: Such as Nitroglycerin and Isordil for vasodilation effects.
- Administration: NTG sublingually, ensuring freshness and proper storage.
- Calcium Channel Blockers: Relax vascular smooth muscle and are also used for hypertension; avoid grapefruit juice.
Antihypertensives
-
Blood Pressure Classifications:
- Normal: <120/80
- Pre-hypertension: 120-139/80-89
- Stage I HTN: 140-159/90-99
- Stage II HTN: >160/100
-
Classes of Antihypertensive Drugs:
- Diuretics: Reduce blood volume (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide).
- Beta Blockers: Such as propranolol and atenolol affect heart rate and blood pressure.
- ACE Inhibitors: Block conversion of angiotensin; linked to cough and angioedema.
- ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers): Like losartan and valsartan; help lower blood pressure.
Anticoagulants
- Function: Prolong bleeding time to prevent clots; includes oral and parenteral types.
- Oral Anticoagulant: Warfarin (Coumadin); requires monitoring of PT and INR.
- Parenteral Anticoagulant: Heparin (given SQ or IV); low molecular weight heparin like Lovenox for prophylaxis.
- Antidotes: Vitamin K for warfarin; protamine sulfate for heparin.
Anti-Platelet Drugs
- Mechanism: Prevent platelet aggregation; include aspirin and Plavix for stroke and heart attack prevention.
- Monitoring: Watch for signs of bleeding; ensure no mixing with other anti-inflammatory drugs.
Thrombolytics
- Purpose: Dissolve blood clots; utilized in conditions like DVT, PE, MI, and CVA.
- Examples: Streptase and Activase.
Patient Education
- Regularly monitor pulse and blood pressure before medications.
- Avoid abrupt cessation of antihypertensive drugs to prevent rebound hypertension.
- Be cautious about potential interactions with food and other medications.
- Maintain awareness of signs and symptoms that require immediate medical attention, especially regarding bleeding and toxicity.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
This quiz covers various types of cardiac medications, including cardiotonics, anti-dysrhythmics, anti-anginals, and antihypertensives. It's presented by Cynthia Bartlau, RN, PHN, MSN.
