Nutrition: High Potassium and Fiber Foods

Foods High in Nutrients

• High potassium foods include bananas, cantaloupe, carrots, spinach, baked potatoes, oranges, and beets.
• Fiber-rich foods consist of lentils, oats, avocados, legumes, and beans.
• Healthy fats are primarily found in salmon and avocados.

Diets

• A cardiac diet emphasizes low fat, low sodium, and low cholesterol intake.
• The DASH diet is designed for hypertension management:
  • High in potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
  • Low in sodium.
  • Includes grains, lean proteins (like salmon), legumes, nuts, seeds, low-fat dairy, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• Known to help reduce blood clot formation, contributing to cardiovascular health.

Cardiovascular Medications

• Nitroglycerin:

  • Mechanism: Opens blood vessels, providing relief or prevention of angina, increasing cardiac output, and reducing blood pressure.
  • Vital signs: Monitor BP and HR before and after administration; continuous BP monitoring required for IV use.
  • Labs: Monitor INR.
  • Nursing: Hold if BP drops below 90 systolic; monitor HR and BP every 5-15 minutes.
  • Side effects include hypotension, tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness.

• Digoxin (Lanoxin):

  • Mechanism: Increases myocardial contraction force, prolongs AV node refractory period, decreases conduction through SA and AV nodes.
  • Vital signs: Hold if HR is less than 60 bpm.
  • Labs: Therapeutic range is 0.5-2 ng/mL.
  • Nursing: Monitor apical pulse for a full minute; check at 5th intercostal space mid-clavicular line.
  • Side effects include bradycardia, blurred vision, and GI upset. Signs of toxicity include yellow-green visual changes.

Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners)

• Common options include aspirin, warfarin, and apixaban.
• Mechanism: Slows the clotting process.
• Monitoring: BP, HR, and bleeding signs are essential.
• Labs: Monitor PT and APTT; hold if outside therapeutic range and monitor INR.
• Nursing interventions: Avoid activities that increase injury risk, educate on safe grooming practices.
• Side effects include dizziness, bleeding, and stomach upset.

ACE Inhibitors (suffix -pril)

• Popular names include enalapril, lisinopril, and ramipril.
• Mechanism: Primarily used to treat hypertension, lowering BP.
• Monitoring: Frequent BP and HR checks; watch for increased BUN and creatinine levels.
• Nursing considerations: Use cautiously in renal impairment; assess for signs of angioedema, which includes abdominal cramping and shortness of breath.

Beta Blockers (suffix -lol)

• Common drugs include atenolol, metoprolol, and labetalol.
• Mechanism: Decrease BP and HR; reduce frequency/severity of angina; control arrhythmias.
• Contraindicated for asthmatic patients.
• Monitoring: Track BP, ECG, pulse, and daily weights.
• Side effects include bradycardia, hypotension, fatigue, and respiratory issues.