ARBS

Question 1

What is the expected pharmacological action of an ARB?

Answer 1

This group block the action of angiotensin 2 in the body which results in vasodilation, excretion of sodium & water (by decreasing release of aldosterone.

Question 2

What is aldosterone? The function

Answer 2

It is a steroid hormone secreted by adrenal glands to regulate salt & water in the body.

Question 3

What are the conditions or therapeutic uses for an ARB?

Answer 3

HTN, HF, Stroke prevention, To delay the progression of diabetic neuropathy, Protect against MI, stroke, and death from cardiac causes in individuals unable to tolerate an ACE, Reduce mortality following an AMI, slow diabetic retinopathy

Question 4

What is the major difference between an ACE & an ARB?

Answer 4

ARBs block the actions of Angiotensin 2 and ACE block the formation of Angiotensin 2

Question 5

What are the complications or the adverse effects of an ARB?

Answer 5

Angioedema, Fetal injury, Hypotension, Dizziness,

Question 6

What is the treatment for severe angioedema?

Answer 6

SubQ injection of epinephrine

Question 7

What are contraindications of an ARB?

Answer 7

Pregnancy Risk D, bilateral renal stenosis or a single kidney

Question 8

What are drug interactions?

Answer 8

Antihypertensives can have an additive effect, Lithium can have an increased risk for lithium toxicity.

Question 9

• Nursing administration points for an ARB- to teach if taking the Rx for heart failure

Answer 9

Monitor weight & edema

Question 10

What is the route of administration?

Answer 10

Oral

Question 11

One way to remember ARBs is that they end with the words an

Answer 11

Losartan- stroke prevention, Valsartan & candesartan- for HF, Telmisartan- FOR PROTECTION against MI ** and in persons who could not tolerate an ACE, Losartan- to slow diabetic retinopathy, Irbsartan-& losartan slows the progression of diabetic neuropathy I