Cardiac Meds

Question 1

What does an ACE inhibitor do?

Answer 1

Vasoconstricts arteries and veins, retention of water

Question 2

Side Effects of ACE Inhibitor:

Answer 2

Hypotension, Dry Cough, Dizziness

Question 3

Common Ace Inhibitor Drugs:

Answer 3

Captopril (Capoten), Enalapril (Vasotec), Lisinopril (Prinivil)

Question 4

What do Ace Inhibitors Treat?

Answer 4

HTN, CHF, and CAD

Question 5

Nursing Considerations for ACE Inhibitors:

Answer 5

Obtain BP before giving, change positions slowly, monitor for decreased WBC count, hyperkalemia, and liver function.

Question 6

What does a Beta-Blocker do?

Answer 6

Inhibits “fight or flight” receptors of the heart

Question 7

Side Effects of Beta Blockers:

Answer 7

Bradycardia, Hypotension, Fatigue, Weakness

Question 8

Common Beta Blocker Drugs:

Answer 8

Metoprolol (Lopressor), Atenolol (Tenormin), Propranolol (Inderal), Carvedilol (Coreg)

Question 9

What do Beta Blockers Treat?

Answer 9

HTN, CHF, Acute MI, CAD, Ventricular Dysrhythmias

Question 10

Nursing Considerations for Beta Blockers:

Answer 10

Obtain BP and HR before giving, change positions slowly, contraindicated in worsening CHF

Question 11

What does a Calcium Channel Blocker do?

Answer 11

Dilates coronary and systemic arteries with decrease in BP

Question 12

Side Effects if Calcium Channel Blocker:

Answer 12

Peripheral Edema, Hypotension, Constipation

Question 13

Common Calcium Channel Blockers:

Answer 13

Diltiazem (Cardizem), Verapamil (Calan), Nifedipine (Procardia) Amlodipine (Norvasc)

Question 14

What do Calcium Channel Blockers Treat?

Answer 14

HTN, Angina, Controlling rapid HR in SVT or AFIB

Question 15

Nursing Considerations for Calcium Channel Blockers:

Answer 15

Change positions slowly, Measure Is and Os closely due to potential for edema, Monitor liver and kidney functions, Obtain BP and HR before giving.