Blood Pressure

Question 1

List generic names for ACE inhibitors

Answer 1

PRILS

Captopril, fosinpril, lisinopril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, trandolapril

Question 2

What is the mode of action for ACE inhibitors?

Answer 2

They prevent the body from creating enzyme known as angiotensin II, by blocking ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme).
This relaxes blood vessels and helps reduce the amount of water re-absorbed by the kidneys
Which lowers BP, decreased workload on heart and helps to protect the kidneys in a diabetic pt

Question 3

List the adverse effects of ACE inhibitors

Answer 3

Low BP, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, diarrhoea, weakness, persistent dry cough, high potassium levels

Question 4

What are some nursing considerations when using ACE inhibitors?

Answer 4

Monitor the patient for first dose hypotension and monitor for 7/24 and lay pt down if pt does become hypotensive
Encourage healthy lifestyle (diet, regular exercise, no smoking, decreased alcohol intake etc.)
Monitor renal function
Monitor FBC

Question 5

What are beta blockers used for?

Answer 5

Treat a variety of conditions such as angina, HTN, some arrhythmias, HF, anxiety etc.

Question 6

List generic names for Beta Blockers

Answer 6

OLOL/LOL

Metropolol, atenolol, acebutolol, bisoprolol, carvedilol

Question 7

What is the mode of action of Beta Blockers?

Answer 7

They block transmission of certain nerve impulses
Block pathways in the sympathetic nervous system reducing the bodily response to adrenaline, noradrenaline and isoprenaline
Reducing HR and BP

Question 8

What are some adverse effects of Beta Blockers?

Answer 8

Bronchospasm, hypotension, bradycardia, dizziness, light headedness, fatigue, drowsiness, depression, cool peripheries, oedema

Question 9

What are some nursing considerations when using Beta Blockers?

Answer 9

Monitor pt BP, HR pre administration
Ensure pt laying down
Monitor for signs of oedema
Check pt weight and monitor FBC to detect fluid retention
Advise not to cease Beta Blocker abruptly
Can affect diabetic control

Question 10

What are Calcium Channel Blockers used for?

Answer 10

Treatment of various conditions of the heart and blood vessels such as angina, high BP and Raynaud’s phenomenon

Question 11

List generic names for Calcium Channel Blockers

Answer 11

PINES

Amlodipine, felodipine, nifedipine, verapamil, diltiazem

Question 12

What is the mode of action of Calcium Channel Blockers?

Answer 12

The heart muscles and smooth muscles (blood vessels e.g) need calcium to contract. Calcium channel blockers reduce the amount of calcium that goes into these muscles causing the muscle to relax.
Decreasing BP, helps to ease angina by widening coronary arteries (vasodilation), reduces the force and rate of heart beat

Question 13

List the adverse effects of Calcium Channel Blockers

Answer 13

Headache
Flushing
Ankle oedema
Nausea
Palpitations
Tiredness
Dizziness 
Constipation (when verapamil used)

Question 14

What do Diuretics do??

Answer 14

The increase urine exertion of both water and electrolytes
The inhibit electrolyte re absorption from the lumen of the nephron, increasing osmolality and enchanting water excretion

Question 15

List the 5x types of diuretics

Answer 15

Thiazide diuretics
Loop diuretics
Potassium sparing diuretics 
Osmotic diuretics 
Carbonic anahydrase inhibitors

Question 16

What are Thiazide Diuretics used for mainly?

What do they generally do?

Answer 16

Low dose Rx of HTN

They produce moderately potent diuresis
They work to interfere with electrolyte re absorption in the distal renal tubule

Question 17

List generic names of Thiazide diuretics

Answer 17

Hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, bendroflumethiazide, indapamide (Thiazide-like diuretic)

Question 18

What are Loop diuretics used for?

Answer 18

The symptomatic Rx of HF and fluid retention in chronic kidney disease

Question 19

List generic names for Loop diuretics

Answer 19

Frusemide, bumetanide, torasemide

Question 20

What are Potassium sparing diuretics?

Answer 20

Weak diuretics
Prescribes mostly in combination with Thiazides or Loop diuretics to prevent hypokalaemia or to increase the amount of fluid removed from the body

Question 21

List generic names for Potassium Sparing diuretics

Answer 21

Amiloride, triamterene, eplerenone, spironolactone

Question 22

What is the mode of action of Diuretics?

Answer 22

They interfere with the transport of salt and water across cells in the kidneys
More fluid passes through the kidneys and less in the blood stream
Eases symptoms of oedema and breathlessness

Question 23

List the adverse effects of Diuretics

Answer 23

Electrolyte imbalances (sodium, potassium) 
Hypotension
Headache
Dizziness
Increasing BGL levels
Thirst
Muscle cramps

Question 24

What are some nursing considerations when caring for patients on Diuretics?

Answer 24

Monitor vital signs
Ensure pt on strict FBC
Daily weights- help monitor fluid loss with cardiac oedema and ascites
Check electrolytes regularly when initiating diuretics
Hypokalaemia can occur with loop or Thiazide diuretics

Question 25

What are ACE inhibitors used for?

Answer 25

Mainly to treat high BP and HF