Cardiovascular Medications and Tests

Aspirin, Warfarin, Heparin, Clopidogrel, Vitamin K

• Aspirin: Antiplatelet; reduces stroke and MI risk; monitor for bleeding.
• Warfarin: Anticoagulant; INR and PT monitoring; dietary vitamin K consistency; protamine sulfate is the antidote.
• Heparin: Anticoagulant; PTT monitoring; protamine sulfate is the antidote.
• Clopidogrel: Antiplatelet; used after MI or stent placement; monitor for bleeding.
• Vitamin K: Antidote for warfarin overdose; affects clotting factor synthesis.

PT, PTT

• PT (Prothrombin Time): Measures extrinsic clotting pathway; normal range 11-13.5 seconds.
• PTT (Partial Thromboplastin Time): Measures intrinsic clotting pathway; normal range 25-35 seconds.

Cardiovascular Disease

• Symptoms (S/S): Chest pain, dyspnea, fatigue, palpitations.
• Interventions: Lifestyle changes, medications (e.g., statins, antihypertensives), possible procedures (angioplasty, CABG).

Peripheral Artery Disease

• S/S: Intermittent claudication, cold limbs, delayed wound healing.
• Interventions: Smoking cessation, exercise, medications (antiplatelets), and surgery (angioplasty).

Myocardial Infarction

• S/S: Chest pain, shortness of breath, diaphoresis, nausea.
• Interventions: MONA (Morphine, Oxygen, Nitrates, Aspirin), thrombolytics, and cardiac catheterization.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

• S/S: Swelling, redness, pain in affected limb.
• Interventions: Anticoagulants (e.g., heparin, warfarin), compression stockings, and mobility.

Pulmonary Embolism

• S/S: Sudden dyspnea, chest pain, tachycardia, hemoptysis.
• Risks: Immobility, DVT, surgery, smoking.

Diabetes Type 2 (Hypoglycemia/Hyperglycemia)

• Symptoms (S/S): Hypoglycemia: Sweating, confusion, tachycardia; Hyperglycemia: Polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia.
• Interventions: Monitor glucose, administer insulin or oral hypoglycemics, dietary management.
• Glucose Levels: Normal 70-110 mg/dL (fasting).
• HbA1C: Reflects 3-month glucose average; normal <5.7%, diabetic >6.5%.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

• S/S: Chronic cough, sputum production, dyspnea.
• Interventions: Smoking cessation, bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and oxygen therapy.

Atrial Fibrillation

• S/S: Irregular heartbeat, palpitations, fatigue.
• Interventions: Anticoagulants, rate/rhythm control (beta-blockers, amiodarone).

Troponin

• Cardiac biomarker; elevated levels indicate myocardial damage (Normal: <0.04 ng/mL).

Cardiac Catheterization

• Pre-procedure: NPO, informed consent, baseline vitals.
• Post-procedure: Monitor puncture site, vitals, and for complications (bleeding, arrhythmias).

4Gs (Garlic, Ginger, Ginseng, Ginkgo)

• Affect coagulation; caution with anticoagulants; monitor for bleeding risks.

Medications (Nitroglycerin, Prednisone, Metformin)

• Nitroglycerin: For angina; monitor for hypotension, headaches.
• Prednisone: Corticosteroid; monitor glucose, infection risk.
• Metformin: For Type 2 diabetes; monitor renal function, lactic acidosis risk.

Ibuprofen, Ondansetron (Zofran)

• Ibuprofen: NSAID; monitor for GI upset, kidney function.
• Ondansetron: Antiemetic; monitor for QT prolongation, constipation.

Blood Transfusions

• Reactions: Hemolytic (fever, back pain), Allergic (rash), Febrile (fever, chills).
• Interventions: Stop transfusion, notify provider, monitor vitals.

Electrolytes (K, Na)

• Potassium (K): 3.5-5.0 mEq/L; monitor cardiac function.
• Sodium (Na): 135-145 mEq/L; monitor neuro status.

Low Platelets

• S/S: Easy bruising, bleeding, petechiae.
• Interventions: Avoid NSAIDs, monitor CBC, platelet transfusions.

NSAIDs (Medication Teaching)

• Educate on GI risks; kidney function monitoring; and avoiding overuse.

Indwelling Urinary Catheters

• Monitor for infection; maintain sterility; regular cleaning.

15g/15 Rule / Hypoglycemic Protocol

• Treat hypoglycemia: 15g fast-acting carbs, recheck glucose in 15 minutes.

Simvastatin, Colace (Docusate)

• Simvastatin: Lowers cholesterol; monitor liver enzymes, muscle pain.
• Colace: Stool softener; used for constipation prevention.