antihypertensive drugs

Question 1

Systolic pressure above 140 mmHg and diastolic above 90 mmHg

Answer 1

hypertension

Question 2

HTN if left untreated, pt is at risk for

Answer 2

• Coronary Artery Disease
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Stroke
• Heart Failure
• Renal Failure
• Peripheral Vascular Disease

Question 3

Lifestyle modifications for HTN

Answer 3

• Weight loss
• Reduction of stress
• Dietary changes

Question 4

Seven different categories for anti-hypertensive therapy:

Answer 4

1. Diuretics
2. Adrenergic
3. Antiadrenergic
4. Vasodilators
5. ACE inhibitors
6. Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARB’s)
7. Calcium Channel Blockers (CCB’s)

Question 5

action of diuretics for HTN

Answer 5

Increase the excretion of sodium from the body
—->
Decrease Sodium = decrease water retention = decrease in blood pressure

Question 6

Alpha adrenergic blocking drugs

Answer 6

• Block a-adrenergic receptors

- Effect on receptors that control vascular system

Question 7

Beta adrenergic blocking drugs

Answer 7

• Block B adrenergic receptors

- Primarily receptors of heart

Question 8

Antiadrenergic

Answer 8

block adrenergic nerve fibers

Question 9

Vasodilator drugs

Answer 9

dilate vessels = lower blood pressure

Question 10

Calcium channel blockers

Answer 10

inhibits movement of calcium across cell membranes =decrease transmission of nerve impulse

Question 11

ACE inhibitors (Angiotensin-converting enzyme)

Answer 11

• Not completely understood
• Prevents conversion of Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II which is a powerful vasoconstrictor
• This then prevents release of Aldosterone by the Adrenal Cortex (thus preventing Sodium and Water retention)

Question 12

Vasodilators ____ the size of the ____ or opening in the artery thus ___ pressure against vessel surface and ___ pressure against which the heart has to beat to propel blood forward

Answer 12

Increase; lumen; less; less.

lowers blood pressure

Question 13

Antihypertensive combination drugs

Answer 13

• Combination of antihypertensive and a diuretic

- Used in cases where the patient does not respond to one type of anti-hypertensive drug alone.

Question 14

Adverse reactions of combination drugs

Answer 14

• orthostatic hypotension

- hypotensive effects increased

Question 15

vasodilating drugs; watch for:

Answer 15

• Heart rate 20 beats/more over normal rate
• Rapid weight gain of 5 lb or more
• Unusual swelling of extremities, face, abd
• Dyspnea, angina, fainting

Question 16

ACE inhibitors; watch for:

Answer 16

• On empty stomach

- Watch for drop in BP

Question 17

If a significant decrease in the blood pressure occurs after a dose of an adrenergic blocking drug,

Answer 17

the nurse should withhold the drug and notify the primary care provider immediately.

Question 18

Significant increase in BP

Answer 18

needs to be reported as dosage may need to be adjusted or drug therapy changed