Cardiac Medications

Question 1

Cardiac Medications

Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

can be taken with food or an empty stomach

Answer 1

'’sartan’’
losartan, valsartan, irbesartan

action: blocks the effects of angiotensin 2 at the receptor sites

effects: lowers BP & workload of the heart
vessels, arteries & veins will dilate
helps kidney excrete sodium & water

contraindications:
❌ do NOT give to pxs with HYPERkalemia/ renal failure
❌ do NOT give to pregnant & breastfeeding women
❌ AVOID grapejuice with losartan

Question 2

Cardiac Medications

ACE Inhibitors

can be taken with food or an empty stomach

Answer 2

'’pril’’
Lisinopril, Catopril, Enalapril

action: blocks enzymes that convert angiotensin 1 into 2

effects: lowers BP & workload of the heart
vessels, arteries & veins will dilate
helps kidney excrete sodium & water

contraindications:
❌ do NOT give to pxs with HYPERkalemia or angioedema (notice the dry cough!)
❌ do NOT give to pregnant & breastfeeding women
❌ AVOID potassium supplements

Question 3

Cardiac Medications

Beta Blockers
end in ‘‘olol’’

examples: metoprolol, atenolol

Answer 3

Action: Block epinephrine & norepinephrine from binding to beta receptors on nerves.

decrease BP, pulse, force

INCREASE Contractility

Contraindications:
Hold if HR <60
Asthmatics, Diabetics

❌ do NOT use with OTC colds medication

Question 4

Cardiac Medications

Calcium Channel Blockers
end in ‘‘pine’’

examples: amlodipine, nifedepine

Answer 4

Action: block ion calcium from crossing into the heart’s muscles cells

decrease BP, pulse

INCREASE contractility

Contraindications:
Hold if HR <60
❌ AVOID grapejuice

Question 5

Cardiac Medications
REMAR’s TIP

Beta Blockers

will only treat glaucoma. What is the name of the medication?

Answer 5

T i m o l o l

Question 6

Cardiac Medications

Digoxin

What is the action & effect ?

Answer 6

Action: nobody knows exactly how it works,
however there are many theories

Effects: slows down the heart, INCREASES BP & tissue perfusion

Question 7

Cardiac Medications

Digoxin

Contraindications: apical pulse

Answer 7

always take apical pulse HOLD if:

adults: <60
infants: <100

Question 8

Cardiac Medications

Digoxin

Contraindications: Therapeutic level

Answer 8

Therapeutic Level is 1-2.

If > 2, client is digoxin toxic.

Question 9

Cardiac Medications

Digoxin

Contraindications: Signs of Digoxin Toxicity

Answer 9

• yellow spots
• N V
• abdominal pain

Warning signs of toxicity in infants & children is:
Bradycardia

Question 10

Cardiac Medications

Digoxin

Contraindications: What electrolytes should be monitored?

Answer 10

Patients must monitor POTASSIUM LEVELS.

Low potassium levels can increase digoxin toxicity.

Question 11

Cardiac Medications

Digoxin

Contraindications: What to give patients who have digoxin toxicity?

Answer 11

activated charcoal

or

digoxin immune fab

Question 12

Cardiac Medications

Nitrates

Answer 12

Name: Nitroglycerin

Question 13

Cardiac Medications

Nitrates

What are the effects?

Answer 13

lowers BP and increases oxygenation of tissues

Question 14

Cardiac Medications

Nitrates

Contraindications:
❌ do NOT take with sildefanil citrate

Answer 14

❌ do NOT take with sildefanil citrate

A px can take 1 or the other, but never both (causes severe hypotension!!)

Question 15

Cardiac Medications

Nitrates

Contraindications: If given SL

Answer 15

if given SL, nurse can give only up to 3 tables over 15 mins.

Give 1 tablet every 5 minutes.

call emergency medical services after 2nd tablet of nitroglycerin is given

Question 16

Cardiac Medications

Nitrates

Contraindications: If given via patch

Answer 16

❌ NEVER place over a pacemaker & remove patch before client goes to MRI

Question 17

Cardiac Medications

Nitrates

Contraindications: Can the px eat or drink?

Answer 17

❌ do NOT eat or drink while taking it

Question 18

Cardiac Medications

Nitrates

Contraindications: If the MD orders nitro IV,

Answer 18

place on an infusion pump always!!!