Cardiac or Digitalis Glycosides_Cardiotonics

Question 1

Cardiac or Digitalis Glycosides/ Cardiotonics:specific drugs

Answer 1

digoxin;digitalis;Lanoxin;Digitek

Question 2

Cardiac or Digitalis Glycosides/ Cardiotonics:drug actions

Answer 2

mechanically:interferes with the sodium-potassium pump causing a buildup of intracellular sodium which cause extra calcium to be pulled into the cells which leads to -increased strength/force of muscle contraction;increased emptying of congested heart chambers for CHF;increased cardiac output;peripheral vasodilation;decreased left ventricle workload;decreases myocardial O2 consumptionelectrically:decreases conduction velocity in the AV node by stimulating the hearts parasympathetic system which leads to a decrease in the number of atrial impulses reaching the ventricles

Question 3

Cardiac or Digitalis Glycosides/ Cardiotonics:indications

Answer 3

CHF;AFib and AFlutter with rapid ventricular responses;PSVT

Question 4

Cardiac or Digitalis Glycosides/ Cardiotonics:side effects

Answer 4

narrow range between therapeutic and toxic doses - digitalis toxicity:gastrointestinal - anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain;CNS - change in LOC/confusion, headache, lethargy, fatigue, blurred vision with a yellow/green haze, halos around light and dark objects;cardiac - arrhythmias: bradycardias, AV blocks, tachycardias, PVCs, VT , VF