Agents for Treating Heart Failure

Question 1

compensatory mechanisms for heart failure

Answer 1

hypoxia stimulates the SNS to release catecholamines (creates more work for heart); renin-angiotensin system is activated (creates more work for heart); myocardial hypertrophy results as heart works harder

Question 2

goals for heart failure

Answer 2

physical activity more comfortable; improve quality of life, prolong life

Question 3

focus of interventions for heart failure

Answer 3

treat cause and symptoms for heart failure; control factors that worsen heart failure

Question 4

what are some lifestyle changes that can be made regarding heart failure

Answer 4

weight loss, smoking cessation, low-salt and low-fat diet, drug therapy

Question 5

what is the only true cure for heart failure

Answer 5

heart transplant

Question 6

cardiac glycosides

Answer 6

digoxin; increases force of myocardial contraction, cardiac output and renal perfusion and output and decreases blood volume to slow heart rate and conduction velocity through AV node

Question 7

action of digoxin

Answer 7

increases myocardial contractility (making the ventricle pump harder), cardiac output and decreases heart rate

Question 8

indications of digoxin

Answer 8

treatment of heart failure, atrial fibrillation

Question 9

pharmacokinetics of digoxin

Answer 9

rapidly absorbed and widely distributed throughout the body; primarily excreted unchanged in the urine

Question 10

adverse effects of digoxin

Answer 10

ANOREXIA, GI PROBLEMS, VISUAL PROBLEMS, headache, weakness, drowsiness; arrhythmia development

Question 11

contraindications of digoxin

Answer 11

allergy; ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, heart blokc, or sick sinus syndrome; acute MI, renal insufficiency, and electrolyte abnormalities

Question 12

caution of digoxin

Answer 12

pregnancy and lactation; pediatric and geriatric patients

Question 13

drug-drug interactions of digoxin

Answer 13

verapamil, amiodarone, quinidine, quinine, erythromycin, tetracycline, or cyclosporine; potassium-losing diuretics; cholestyramine, charcoal, colestipol, bleomycin, cyclophosphamide, or methotrexate

Question 14

nursing considerations for digoxin

Answer 14

impaired kidney function, ventricular tachycardia, heart block, sick sinus syndrome, or IHSS; electrolyte imbalances

Question 15

digoxin therapeutic level

Answer 15

0.5-2 ng/ml

Question 16

what should you specifically look for while taking digoxin

Answer 16

apical pulse less than 60

Question 17

what’s the relationship between digoxin and potassium

Answer 17

decreased potassium levels can lead to digoxin toxicity; use with caution while taking furosemide and spironolactone