Drugs That Affect the Cardiovascular System
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary action of HMG-CoA in the liver?

  • To eliminate blood LDL levels
  • To increase dietary cholesterol absorption
  • To control cholesterol production (correct)
  • To enhance the removal of triglycerides

    • Which of the following is a side effect commonly associated with the use of statins?

  • Decreased heart rate
  • Weight loss
  • Increased appetite
  • Abdominal pain (correct)

    • What should patients taking statins avoid to reduce the risk of drug toxicity?

  • Saturated fats
  • High-fiber foods
  • Citrus fruits
  • Grapefruit juice (correct)

    • Certain drugs can decrease the effectiveness of statins. Which of the following is one of those drugs?

    <p>Aspirin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What serious condition can result from the breakdown of muscle cells due to statin use?

    <p>Rhabdomyolysis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are statins contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

    <p>They affect the developing brain due to lower cholesterol levels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary mechanism by which statins lower LDL levels?

    <p>By slowing liver cholesterol production</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which non-statin antihyperlipidemic is primarily used to limit cholesterol absorption in the intestines?

    <p>Ezetimibe</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common side effect associated with the use of Fibric Acid Derivatives?

    <p>Gallstones</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect do bile acid sequestrants primarily have on cholesterol levels?

    <p>Form a compound with bile salts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about Niacin is true?

    <p>It reduces flushing when taken with aspirin.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be monitored for patients taking non-statin antihyperlipidemics?

    <p>Cholesterol levels and liver function</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary action of thiazide diuretics?

    <p>Prevent reabsorption of water, sodium, potassium, and chloride</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which diuretics can lead to severe hypokalemia?

    <p>Thiazides and loop diuretics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which side effect is associated with ACE-Inhibitors?

    <p>Dry cough</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant nursing implication when administering diuretics?

    <p>Monitor daily weight for changes from baseline</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a common consequence of potassium imbalances due to diuretics?

    <p>Dysrhythmias</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Calcium channel blockers reduce blood pressure by which of the following mechanisms?

    <p>Inhibiting calcium influx across the cell membrane</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of food should patients taking potassium-sparing diuretics be cautious about?

    <p>Potassium-rich foods</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which is a primary teaching point for patients taking calcium channel blockers?

    <p>Monitor heart rate regularly</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an important consideration for patients being treated with RAAS drugs during pregnancy?

    <p>They should discontinue use due to risks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What safety measure should patients be educated about when taking diuretics?

    <p>Monitor for signs of dehydration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary action of Beta Blockers on the heart?

    <p>Block beta 1 receptors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a potential side effect of Alpha-1 blockers?

    <p>Sudden hypotension</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition should not be present in a patient taking Beta Blockers?

    <p>Bradycardia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should a patient be advised against after taking the first dose of an Alpha-1 antagonist?

    <p>Driving or operating machinery</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common side effect of Alpha-2 agonists?

    <p>Dry mouth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary therapeutic use of vasodilators?

    <p>Reducing hypertension</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why should patients not stop Beta Blockers suddenly?

    <p>It can lead to rebound hypertension</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these beta blockers contains 'olol' in its name?

    <p>Atenolol</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should patients taking vasodilators monitor daily?

    <p>Daily weight</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect do alpha-2 agonists have on blood vessels?

    <p>Decreased vasoconstriction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should a nurse do if a patient's heart rate is less than 60 beats/min before administering antihypertensive medication?

    <p>Contact the healthcare provider.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant side effect of nitrates due to their mechanism of action?

    <p>Severe hypotension.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is advised to prevent the development of tolerance in patients using nitroglycerin patches?

    <p>Remove the patch at bedtime.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which action should be taken to properly administer nitroglycerin for acute angina attacks?

    <p>Use sublingual nitroglycerin and repeat every 5 minutes as needed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important for patients on antihypertensive medications to avoid sudden changes in position?

    <p>To prevent orthostatic hypotension.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which drug interaction should be avoided when a patient is taking nitrates?

    <p>Alcohol.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which class of drugs does not typically contribute to the relief of myocardial oxygen demand?

    <p>Antibiotics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should patients be taught about monitoring their blood pressure at home?

    <p>Be aware of the normal range and report any abnormal readings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does blocking HMG-CoA in the liver have on LDL cholesterol levels?

    <p>It lowers LDL levels by slowing cholesterol production.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a serious adverse effect associated with the use of statins?

    <p>Rhabdomyolysis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What monitoring is crucial for patients taking statins?

    <p>Liver function tests and CK levels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which habit should patients taking statins be advised to avoid?

    <p>Drinking alcohol.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should patients taking statins be reminded of regarding dietary habits?

    <p>A low-cholesterol diet is important while using statins.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following medications primarily acts on the intestinal wall to limit cholesterol absorption?

    <p>Selective Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary side effect to monitor for patients taking Fibric Acid Derivatives?

    <p>Liver toxicity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about bile acid sequestrants is accurate?

    <p>They can interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common adverse effect of using Niacin for cholesterol management?

    <p>Flushing sensation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of diuretic is most likely to cause the greatest loss of potassium?

    <p>Loop diuretics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Cholesterol-Lowering Medications: Statins

    • HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (Statins) reduce blood LDL levels by slowing liver cholesterol production.
    • Do not eliminate dietary cholesterol but rather manage liver production processes.
    • Indications include lowering LDL levels to prevent atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke.
    • Common side effects are abdominal pain, headache, diarrhea, myalgia, joint discomfort, sore throat, and heartburn.
    • Diabetes patients might experience elevated blood glucose levels.
    • Serious adverse effects include liver dysfunction, pancreatitis, myositis, and rhabdomyolysis.
    • Contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential risks to fetal brain development.
    • Notable statins include atorvastatin, simvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, and rosuvastatin.
    • Drug interactions: Alcohol and acetaminophen increase liver toxicity; aspirin and antacids may reduce effectiveness; grapefruit juice can increase statin concentrations leading to toxicity.
    • Nursing implications include monitoring liver function and CK levels, adherence to low-cholesterol diets, and awareness of potential rhabdomyolysis symptoms.

    Non-Statin Antihyperlipidemics

    • Less frequently prescribed, often for those intolerant to or unresponsive to statins.
    • Selective Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors: Ezetimibe limits intestinal cholesterol absorption.
    • Fibric Acid Derivatives (Fibrates): Reduce triglyceride levels and increase HDL; examples include gemfibrozil and fenofibrate but have risk of liver toxicity and gallstones.
    • Bile Acid Sequestrants: Increase bile acid excretion to reduce LDL levels; notable examples are cholestyramine and colestipol; can cause gastrointestinal side effects and impair absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
    • Niacin (Nicotinic Acid): Reduces triglyceride breakdown; associated with flushing and gastrointestinal discomfort; advised to pre-medicate with aspirin to mitigate flushing.
    • Nursing implications include liver function assessment, dietary history review, and vitamin supplementation for bile sequestrant users.

    Antihypertensive Drugs Overview

    • Diuretics: Indirectly lower blood pressure by promoting sodium and water loss; types include thiazides, loop diuretics, and potassium-sparing diuretics.

      • Common side effects: urinary frequency, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, caution with gout flares due to uric acid increases.
      • Examples: hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, spironolactone.

    • Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) Drugs: Treat hypertension and heart failure by decreasing angiotensin II effects.

      • Includes ACE inhibitors like lisinopril and ARBs like losartan.
      • Side effects can include hyperkalemia and dry cough (ACE inhibitors).

    • Calcium Channel Blockers: Reduce calcium influx in heart and arteries, indicated for hypertension and dysrhythmias.

      • Potential side effects: dizziness, flushing; avoid grapefruit juice due to toxicity risk.
      • Examples: verapamil, amlodipine.

    • Adrenergic Drugs (Beta Blockers): Lower heart rate and blood pressure by blocking beta 1 receptors.

      • Indications include CAD, heart failure.
      • Side effects: bradycardia, hypotension; can mask hypoglycemia signs.
      • Examples: metoprolol, propranolol.

    • Alpha-1 Blockers: Treat hypertension; may cause first-dose hypotension, particularly if taken at night.

      • Examples include prazosin.

    • Alpha-2 Agonists: Manage difficult-to-treat hypertension by decreasing CNS vasoconstriction.

      • Risk of side effects due to central action; examples: clonidine.

    • Vasodilators: Directly dilate arterial and venous systems; indicated for hypertension.

      • Monitor blood pressure closely during therapy initiation; caution against missed doses to prevent rebound hypertension.### Nursing Implications & Patient Teaching for Antihypertensive Drugs

    • Antihypertensives often cause orthostatic hypotension; advise patients to avoid sudden position changes.

    • Continue taking medications as prescribed; they manage, but do not cure, high blood pressure (HBP).

    • Encourage avoidance of alcohol to prevent exacerbation of hypotension.

    • Caution patients to consult healthcare providers before taking over-the-counter medications to prevent interactions.

    • Withhold antihypertensive medication and notify provider if heart rate drops below 60 bpm or systolic BP falls below 90 mm Hg.

    • For IV calcium channel blockers, ensure cardiac monitoring as needed.

    • Closely monitor blood pressure at the start of therapy for significant decreases.

    • Instruct patients to weigh themselves daily and report any swelling in extremities.

    • Emphasize the importance of taking medication consistently at the same time daily to prevent rebound hypertension.

    • Teach patients proper techniques for self-monitoring blood pressure and heart rate, maintaining records for discussions during healthcare visits.

    Nitrates

    • Main types: nitrates, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers help manage angina by improving circulation and reducing cardiac workload.
    • Nitrates dilate blood vessels, increasing blood supply and decreasing resistance, thus reducing myocardial oxygen demand.
    • Indications include chronic stable angina and prevention of angina episodes.
    • Common side effects: throbbing headaches and slight hypotension.
    • Adverse effects may include severe postural hypotension, reflex tachycardia, bradycardia, vertigo, and weakness.
    • Example drugs: Nitroglycerin (acute angina) and Isosorbide mononitrate (angina management).
    • Drug interactions: Alcohol, antihypertensives, opioids, and diuretics can potentiate effects; caffeine and certain drugs may reduce effectiveness.
    • Administer nitroglycerin sublingually for acute attacks; repeat every 5 minutes for a maximum of three doses, calling for help if symptoms persist.
    • Educate patients not to drink alcohol and to change positions slowly to minimize orthostatic effects.

    Antidysrhythmics

    • Classified by the Vaughan-Williams system focusing on their conduction effects in the heart.
    • Class I: Sodium channel blockers (e.g., quinidine, procainamide); slow impulse conduction and reduce excitability.
    • Class II: Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol); reduce heart rate and contractility.
    • Class III: Potassium channel blockers (e.g., amiodarone); decrease excitability and can slow heart rate.
    • Class IV: Calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil); slow conduction in nodes and decrease heart rate.
    • Common uses include treating supraventricular and ventricular dysrhythmias, with side effects primarily involving hypotension and dysrhythmias.
    • Precautions: Monitor heart rate and blood pressure closely; avoid over-the-counter medications to prevent interactions.
    • Amiodarone requires specific patient education around light sensitivity and regular eye examinations.

    Inotropic Drugs: Digoxin

    • Inotropic drugs affect the heart's contractility; positive inotropes increase contraction, aiding in heart failure management.
    • Digoxin enhances contractile proteins, improving cardiac output and addressing atrial fibrillation.
    • Symptoms of digoxin toxicity include gastrointestinal distress, visual changes (blurred/yellow vision), and palpitations.
    • Risk of toxicity is heightened in older adults; careful monitoring of potassium levels is crucial, as low potassium can precipitate toxicity.
    • Take the apical pulse before administration; do not administer if below 60 bpm, maintain consistent dosing schedule.
    • Missed doses can be taken within 12 hours of the scheduled time—never double up.
    • Consuming potassium-rich foods is encouraged unless contraindicated, with sources including bananas, orange juice, and leafy greens.

    Cholesterol-Lowering Medications: Statins

    • HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (Statins) reduce blood LDL levels by slowing liver cholesterol production.
    • Do not eliminate dietary cholesterol but rather manage liver production processes.
    • Indications include lowering LDL levels to prevent atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke.
    • Common side effects are abdominal pain, headache, diarrhea, myalgia, joint discomfort, sore throat, and heartburn.
    • Diabetes patients might experience elevated blood glucose levels.
    • Serious adverse effects include liver dysfunction, pancreatitis, myositis, and rhabdomyolysis.
    • Contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential risks to fetal brain development.
    • Notable statins include atorvastatin, simvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, and rosuvastatin.
    • Drug interactions: Alcohol and acetaminophen increase liver toxicity; aspirin and antacids may reduce effectiveness; grapefruit juice can increase statin concentrations leading to toxicity.
    • Nursing implications include monitoring liver function and CK levels, adherence to low-cholesterol diets, and awareness of potential rhabdomyolysis symptoms.

    Non-Statin Antihyperlipidemics

    • Less frequently prescribed, often for those intolerant to or unresponsive to statins.
    • Selective Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors: Ezetimibe limits intestinal cholesterol absorption.
    • Fibric Acid Derivatives (Fibrates): Reduce triglyceride levels and increase HDL; examples include gemfibrozil and fenofibrate but have risk of liver toxicity and gallstones.
    • Bile Acid Sequestrants: Increase bile acid excretion to reduce LDL levels; notable examples are cholestyramine and colestipol; can cause gastrointestinal side effects and impair absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
    • Niacin (Nicotinic Acid): Reduces triglyceride breakdown; associated with flushing and gastrointestinal discomfort; advised to pre-medicate with aspirin to mitigate flushing.
    • Nursing implications include liver function assessment, dietary history review, and vitamin supplementation for bile sequestrant users.

    Antihypertensive Drugs Overview

    • Diuretics: Indirectly lower blood pressure by promoting sodium and water loss; types include thiazides, loop diuretics, and potassium-sparing diuretics.

      • Common side effects: urinary frequency, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, caution with gout flares due to uric acid increases.
      • Examples: hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, spironolactone.

    • Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) Drugs: Treat hypertension and heart failure by decreasing angiotensin II effects.

      • Includes ACE inhibitors like lisinopril and ARBs like losartan.
      • Side effects can include hyperkalemia and dry cough (ACE inhibitors).

    • Calcium Channel Blockers: Reduce calcium influx in heart and arteries, indicated for hypertension and dysrhythmias.

      • Potential side effects: dizziness, flushing; avoid grapefruit juice due to toxicity risk.
      • Examples: verapamil, amlodipine.

    • Adrenergic Drugs (Beta Blockers): Lower heart rate and blood pressure by blocking beta 1 receptors.

      • Indications include CAD, heart failure.
      • Side effects: bradycardia, hypotension; can mask hypoglycemia signs.
      • Examples: metoprolol, propranolol.

    • Alpha-1 Blockers: Treat hypertension; may cause first-dose hypotension, particularly if taken at night.

      • Examples include prazosin.

    • Alpha-2 Agonists: Manage difficult-to-treat hypertension by decreasing CNS vasoconstriction.

      • Risk of side effects due to central action; examples: clonidine.

    • Vasodilators: Directly dilate arterial and venous systems; indicated for hypertension.

      • Monitor blood pressure closely during therapy initiation; caution against missed doses to prevent rebound hypertension.### Nursing Implications & Patient Teaching for Antihypertensive Drugs

    • Antihypertensives often cause orthostatic hypotension; advise patients to avoid sudden position changes.

    • Continue taking medications as prescribed; they manage, but do not cure, high blood pressure (HBP).

    • Encourage avoidance of alcohol to prevent exacerbation of hypotension.

    • Caution patients to consult healthcare providers before taking over-the-counter medications to prevent interactions.

    • Withhold antihypertensive medication and notify provider if heart rate drops below 60 bpm or systolic BP falls below 90 mm Hg.

    • For IV calcium channel blockers, ensure cardiac monitoring as needed.

    • Closely monitor blood pressure at the start of therapy for significant decreases.

    • Instruct patients to weigh themselves daily and report any swelling in extremities.

    • Emphasize the importance of taking medication consistently at the same time daily to prevent rebound hypertension.

    • Teach patients proper techniques for self-monitoring blood pressure and heart rate, maintaining records for discussions during healthcare visits.

    Nitrates

    • Main types: nitrates, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers help manage angina by improving circulation and reducing cardiac workload.
    • Nitrates dilate blood vessels, increasing blood supply and decreasing resistance, thus reducing myocardial oxygen demand.
    • Indications include chronic stable angina and prevention of angina episodes.
    • Common side effects: throbbing headaches and slight hypotension.
    • Adverse effects may include severe postural hypotension, reflex tachycardia, bradycardia, vertigo, and weakness.
    • Example drugs: Nitroglycerin (acute angina) and Isosorbide mononitrate (angina management).
    • Drug interactions: Alcohol, antihypertensives, opioids, and diuretics can potentiate effects; caffeine and certain drugs may reduce effectiveness.
    • Administer nitroglycerin sublingually for acute attacks; repeat every 5 minutes for a maximum of three doses, calling for help if symptoms persist.
    • Educate patients not to drink alcohol and to change positions slowly to minimize orthostatic effects.

    Antidysrhythmics

    • Classified by the Vaughan-Williams system focusing on their conduction effects in the heart.
    • Class I: Sodium channel blockers (e.g., quinidine, procainamide); slow impulse conduction and reduce excitability.
    • Class II: Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol); reduce heart rate and contractility.
    • Class III: Potassium channel blockers (e.g., amiodarone); decrease excitability and can slow heart rate.
    • Class IV: Calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil); slow conduction in nodes and decrease heart rate.
    • Common uses include treating supraventricular and ventricular dysrhythmias, with side effects primarily involving hypotension and dysrhythmias.
    • Precautions: Monitor heart rate and blood pressure closely; avoid over-the-counter medications to prevent interactions.
    • Amiodarone requires specific patient education around light sensitivity and regular eye examinations.

    Inotropic Drugs: Digoxin

    • Inotropic drugs affect the heart's contractility; positive inotropes increase contraction, aiding in heart failure management.
    • Digoxin enhances contractile proteins, improving cardiac output and addressing atrial fibrillation.
    • Symptoms of digoxin toxicity include gastrointestinal distress, visual changes (blurred/yellow vision), and palpitations.
    • Risk of toxicity is heightened in older adults; careful monitoring of potassium levels is crucial, as low potassium can precipitate toxicity.
    • Take the apical pulse before administration; do not administer if below 60 bpm, maintain consistent dosing schedule.
    • Missed doses can be taken within 12 hours of the scheduled time—never double up.
    • Consuming potassium-rich foods is encouraged unless contraindicated, with sources including bananas, orange juice, and leafy greens.

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    Description

    Explore key concepts related to fluid and electrolyte imbalances caused by various diuretics. This quiz covers the adverse effects of thiazides and loop diuretics, as well as potential drug interactions. Test your understanding of how these medications impact sodium and potassium levels in the body.

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