Cardiovascular Pharmacology Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is a common side effect of sodium channel blockers?

Bradycardia

Hyperkalemia

Pulmonary embolism

Hypotension (correct)

Why is it crucial to monitor the apical pulse before administering an antidysrhythmic medication?

To identify any radial pulse abnormalities

To evaluate respiratory rate

To assess bladder function

To detect potential bradycardia or tachycardia (correct)

Which medication can cause significant GI side effects, according to nursing implications?

Diltiazem

Amiodarone

Quinidine (correct)

Propranolol

What should patients taking potassium channel blockers be taught regarding possible side effects?

Bluish discoloration of face, neck, and arms is possible Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key nursing implication for administering calcium channel blockers?

Regularly check for peripheral edema Signup and view all the answers

Which contraindication is associated with the use of beta blockers?

Heart block Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential adverse effect associated with the use of antidysrhythmic drugs?

Other dysrhythmias Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary actions of beta blockers in the treatment of cardiovascular conditions?

Block beta 1 receptors Signup and view all the answers

Which side effect is associated with the use of beta blockers?

Hypotension Signup and view all the answers

What condition can be masked by the use of beta blockers?

Hypoglycemia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for taking Alpha-1 antagonists at night?

To manage first dose hypotension Signup and view all the answers

Why is abrupt discontinuation of beta blockers not recommended?

It may lead to rebound hypertension Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common side effect of Alpha-2 agonists?

Dry mouth Signup and view all the answers

What should patients be cautious about when taking the first dose of an Alpha-1 antagonist?

Severe hypotension Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary effects of using beta blockers on the cardiovascular system?

Decreased heart rate Signup and view all the answers

For which type of hypertension are Alpha-2 agonists primarily used?

Difficult to manage hypertension Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary action of vasodilators in treating hypertension?

Dilate arteries and veins to decrease peripheral vascular resistance Signup and view all the answers

Which side effect should a patient using vasodilators be closely monitored for?

Significant hypotension Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial patient teaching point regarding the use of nitrates for angina?

Patients should avoid interactions with caffeine-containing products Signup and view all the answers

In the case of an acute angina attack, how should nitroglycerin be administered?

Sublingually every 5 minutes up to 3 doses Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the adverse effects associated with the use of nitrates?

Severe postural hypotension Signup and view all the answers

Which condition would warrant withholding vasodilator medication?

Systolic blood pressure below 90 mm Hg Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a side effect commonly associated with vasodilators?

Throbbing headaches Signup and view all the answers

What advice is critical for patients taking angina medications regarding lifestyle choices?

Over-the-counter medications should be consulted with a doctor first Signup and view all the answers

Which patient action is vital to teach concerning daily management while on a vasodilator?

Record daily weights and report any significant changes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nitroglycerin (NTG) Administration

Wear gloves when administering NTG to prevent absorption through the skin.
Store NTG in a dark container to protect from light.
Assess patients for lightheadedness, dizziness, and headache during treatment.
Teach patients to carry NTG on their person at all times.
Administer buccal tablets between the cheek and gum or under the tongue.
Apply NTG patches in the morning and remove at bedtime.
Advise against alcohol consumption, which can lower blood pressure.
Instruct patients to change positions slowly to prevent falls.
Exercise caution when using NTG alongside erectile dysfunction medications.

Dysrhythmia Overview

Dysrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm stemming from irregularities in cardiac conduction.
Common causes include disease and electrolyte imbalances, leading to decreased oxygen for cardiac cells.
Altered cardiac output is a key result of dysrhythmia.

Antidysrhythmic Drugs

Purpose: Restore normal heart rhythm and maintain adequate cardiac output.
Class I: Sodium channel blockers (e.g., quinidine, procainamide).
Class II: Beta blockers (e.g., propranolol).
Class III: Potassium channel blockers (e.g., amiodarone).
Class IV: Calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil).
Other drugs include digoxin and magnesium sulfate.

Side Effects and Adverse Effects

Common side effects of antidysrhythmics include hypotension and other dysrhythmias.
Adverse effects also include worsened dysrhythmias.

Nursing Implications for Antidysrhythmic Medications

For sodium channel blockers, monitor heart rate and blood pressure, avoid OTC medications, and observe for GI side effects.
In potassium channel blockers, monitor respiratory status, light sensitivity, and schedule regular eye exams; report scrotal pain or swelling.

Vasodilators

Indicated for hypertension; acts by dilating arterial and venous systems to decrease peripheral vascular resistance.
Example medications include hydralazine and minoxidil.
Side effects: hypotension and fluid retention. Important to monitor daily weight and report swelling.

Angina vs. Myocardial Infarction

Angina is chest pain due to oxygen deficiency to heart muscle.
Myocardial infarction occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is severely reduced, leading to muscle death.

Nitrates

Used for chronic stable angina and as prophylaxis for angina pain.
Dilation of blood vessels occurs by relaxing smooth muscle.
Nitroglycerin (NTG) is the primary nitrate for acute angina; isosorbide mononitrate manages ongoing angina.
Side effects include thrombing headaches and hypotension, with adverse effects like severe hypotension and reflex tachycardia.

Drug Interactions for Nitrates

Interactions may occur with alcohol, antihypertensive drugs, opioids, and erectile dysfunction medications.

Beta Blockers

Used for coronary artery disease, hypertension, angina, heart failure, and dysrhythmias.
Blockade of beta-1 receptors leads to decreased heart rate and blood pressure and increased oxygen supply.
Common examples: propranolol, metoprolol, atenolol.

Side Effects and Contraindications of Beta Blockers

Side effects include bradycardia, hypotension, dizziness, and weakened sexual ability.
Contraindicated in cardiogenic shock, heart blocks, and severe bradycardia.

Alpha 1 Adrenergic Antagonists

Used for hypertension; these medications block alpha-1 receptors to lower blood pressure.
Examples include doxazosin and prazosin; watch for sudden hypotension.

Alpha 2 Agonists

Target hypertension that is difficult to manage by activating central alpha-2 receptors.
Examples include clonidine and methyldopa; side effects include dry mouth and a risk of rebound hypertension.

Inotropic Drugs

Used in advanced heart failure to improve cardiac output.
Digoxin is a common heart glycoside, with risk factors for toxicity including electrolyte imbalances, especially low potassium.

Nursing Implications for Digoxin

Monitor closely for digoxin toxicity, potassium levels, and apical pulse.
Signs of toxicity include nausea, confusion, and visual disturbances.

Review Main Points

Understand the purpose of antihyperlipidemic and antihypertensive drugs.
Familiarize with medications for angina and myocardial infarction.

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Description

This quiz covers essential topics related to nitroglycerin administration, dysrhythmias, and antidysrhythmic drugs. Learn about the proper usage, precautions, and the physiological implications of these medications. Ideal for students in nursing or pharmacology courses.