Angina & MI medications

Question 1

What is angina?

Answer 1

Acute chest pain due to insufficient o2 to myocardium.

Question 2

What is stable and unstable angina?

Answer 2

Stable: fairly predictable frequency, intensity duration; usually relieved by rest.

Unstable: when episodes occur more frequently, more intensely and during periods of rest.

Question 3

What drug is a nitrate?

Answer 3

nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)

Question 4

What is the MOA of nitroglycerin?

Answer 4

1. relax arterial and venous smooth muscle
2. dilate coronary arteries
3. reduces heart workload
4. lower the myocardial oxygen demand

Question 5

What are the prime uses of nitroglycerin?

Answer 5

Short acting: terminate acute angina episode.

Long acting: decrease severity and frequency of episodes.

AE: hypotension,

Question 6

Nursing considerations for nitroglycerin.

Answer 6

IV: glass bottle and protected from light.

SL: one tab under tongue q5 min. x3

Topical: wear gloves, apply to area w/o hair, cover.

Transdermal patch: observe for skin irritation. Apply to upper chest, pelvis, upper inner arm, rotate sites and wear gloves.

Question 7

What is an MI?

Answer 7

Occurs when coronary artery occludes, depriving cells of o2.

Cells begin to die in 20 minutes.

Lab draws can help confirm MI.

Question 8

MONA for MI

Answer 8

Morphine
Oxygen
Nitroglycerin
Aspirin-antiplatelet