Angiotension Receptor Blockers

Question 1

Indications for use of ARBs

Answer 1

• Heart failure
• high BP
• Diabetes Mellitus (prevent kidney damage)
• May be used instead of ACE inhibitors b/c of side effects of dry cough.

Question 2

Mechanism of Action

Answer 2

blocks receptors of angiotenson II

• vasodialation
• decrease sympathetic nervous system
• decrease BP, decrease Na & Water reabsorption, decrease cardiac workload
• increase K reabsorption - can increase K level
• decease ADH secretion from pituitary gland, which increases water excretion through kidneys with decreases blood volume

Question 3

Side Effects
Contraindications
Nursing Considerations

Answer 3

Hypotension

• dizziness, pigheadedness, faintness upon rising
• assess BP before giving first dose and regularly there after

High Potassium Level -Assess for hyperkalemia

• confusion
• numbness/tingling of hands and feet
• cardiac arrhythmia or irregular heart beats
• contraindicated with K sparing diuretics and salt substitutes

Question 4

What to monitor & contraindications:

Answer 4

monitor BUN & creatinine

contraindicated for liver damage or renal disorders

Question 5

How to easiliy identify angiotensin II receptor blockers:

Answer 5

ends with -sartan

ie: losartan, valsartan, olmesartan, eposartan, candesartan