Cardio Pharmacology

Question 1

Action: alpha adrenergic antagonist agents

Answer 1

• dilation of arterioles and veins

- decreases BP

Question 2

Alpha adrenergic antagonist agents: PT implications

Answer 2

Risk of dizziness/orthostatic hypotension

Question 3

Action: angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

Answer 3

Decrease BP

Decrease afterload

Question 4

ACE inhibitors: PT implications

Answer 4

• Risk of dizziness/fainting from hypotension
• Avoid sudden changes in posture
• pts with heart failure should avoid rapid increases in physical activity

Question 5

Angiotensin II receptor antagonist agents: implications for PT

Answer 5

Minimal

Question 6

4 classes of antiarrhythmic agents

Answer 6

Class I: sodium channel blockers
Class II: beta blockers
Class III: prolong repolarization
Class IV: calcium channel blockers

Question 7

These are often considered the most effective antiarrhythmic agent

Answer 7

Class III

Question 8

Action: sodium channel blockers

Answer 8

Control cardiac excitation and conduction

Question 9

Action: beta blockers

Answer 9

Inhibit sympathetic activity

Question 10

Action: Class III antiarrhythmic agents

Answer 10

Prolong repolarization by inhibitin potassium and sodium channels

Question 11

Action: calcium channel blockers

Answer 11

Depress depolarization and slow conduction through AV node

Question 12

Antiarrhythmic agents: implications for PT

Answer 12

Encourage regular dosing schedule, immediately report adverse rxns to HC professional

Question 13

Action: anticoagulant and antithrombotic agents

Answer 13

Inhibit platelet aggregation and thrombus formation

Question 14

Anticoagulant and antithrombotic agents: PT implications

Answer 14

Be careful to avoid injury 2/2 risk of excessive bleeding or bruising

Question 15

Most common type of antihyperlipidemia agents

Answer 15

Statins

Question 16

Action: statins

Answer 16

• Inhibit enzyme action in cholesterol synthesis
• Break down LDL
• decrease triglycerides
• Increase HDL

Question 17

Antihyperlipidemia agents: PT implications

Answer 17

Aerobic exercise can increase HDL and maximize effects of drug therapy

Question 18

Action: beta blockers

Answer 18

Decrease HR

Decrease contractility

Question 19

Beta blocker agents: PT implications

Answer 19

• HR and BP response to exercise diminished

- Increased risk for orthostatic hypotension

Question 20

Action: calcium channel blocker agents

Answer 20

Decrease myocardial contraction, vasodilation

Decrease oxygen demand of the heart

Question 21

Calcium channel blocker agents: PT implications

Answer 21

• Diminished HR and BP response to exercise

- Observe for s/s of CHF

Question 22

S/s CHF for a pt on calcium channel blockers

Answer 22

• worsening peripheral edema
• dyspnea
• weight gain

Question 23

Actions: diuretics

Answer 23

• Increase secretion of sodium in urine

- Reduces plasma volume

Question 24

Diuretics: What happens to BP with a reduction in plasma volume?

Answer 24

Decreases

Question 25

Diuretics: PT implications

Answer 25

- Decreased BP increase risk of dizziness/falls with positional changes - monitor for s/s of electrolyte imbalance and muscle weakness/cramping

Question 26

Action: nitrates

Answer 26

Decrease ischemia (smooth muscle releaxation and dilation of peripheral vessels)

Question 27

Sublingual administration of nitroglycerin is the preferred method to treat

Answer 27

Acute angina attack

Question 28

Nitrates: PT implications

Answer 28

Instruct pt to stand slowly to minimize risk of orthostatic hypotension

Question 29

Positive inotropic agents: actions

Answer 29

- Increase force and velocity of contraction - Slow HR - Decrease conduction velocity through AV node - Decrease sympathetic activation

Question 30

Uses for positive inotropic agents

Answer 30

- heart failure | - atrial fibrillation

Question 31

Action: thrombolytic agents

Answer 31

Facilitate clot dissolution

Question 32

Thrombolytic agents: PT implications

Answer 32

Avoid trauma due to altered clotting activity