Cardiology Medications

Question 1

Acetylsalicylic Acid trade names

Answer 1

ASA, Asprin, Bufferin

Question 2

Acetylsalicylic Acid AHS protocol

Answer 2

Adult acute coronary syndrome (suspected)

Question 3

Acetylsalicylic Acid classification

Answer 3

Antiplatelet, analgesic; antipyretic; anti-inflammatory, non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory drug (NOT A BLOOD THINNER)

Question 4

Acetylsalicylic Acid mechanism of action

Answer 4

Blocks the formation of thromboxane A2, which is responsible for platelets aggregating and arteries constricting.
Produces analgesia and has anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins

Question 5

Acetylsalicylic Acid indications

Answer 5

Anti-platelet therapy in acute coronary syndrome (ACS)

Question 6

Acetylsalicylic Acid contraindications

Answer 6

-Hypersensitivity to salicylates/NSAIDS.
-unconscious/unable to follow commands.
-active ulcer disease/active GI hemorrhage.
-bleeding disorders.
Pregnancy (especially 3rd trimester).
-children under 15
-ASA induced asthma

Question 7

Acetylsalicylic Acid adult dose

Answer 7

160mg - 162mg PO chewed for a total maximum in 24 hours

Question 8

Acetylsalicylic Acid pediatric dose

Answer 8

N/A

Question 9

Acetylsalicylic Acid side effects

Answer 9

-GI irritation
-nausea/vomitting
-tinnitus
-increased risk of bleeding

Question 10

Acetylsalicylic Acid pharmacokinetics

Answer 10

Onset: 1-2 hours

Question 11

Acetylsalicylic Acid EMS considerations

Answer 11

-withhold EMS dose if confirmed that patient took ASA properly.
-EMS dose must be given even if patient has taken daily dose or if they are taking blood thinners.
-patient is receiving anticoagulant therapy; ASA may potentiation the effect.
-closely monitor diabetic patients for hypoglycemia.

Question 12

Antianginals

Answer 12

Nitrates dilate coronary arteries and cause systemic vasodilation (decreased preload)

Question 13

Anticoagulant

Answer 13

Prevent blood clot progression and formation

Question 14

Antidysrhythmics

Answer 14

Used to treat and prevent abnormal cardiac rhythms

Question 15

Antihypertensives

Answer 15

Drugs used to treat hypertension

Question 16

Antihyperlipidemic agents

Answer 16

Drugs used to treat high cholesterol

Question 17

Nitroglycerin trade names

Answer 17

Nitrostat, Nitro-Bid; Nitro-

Question 18

Nitroglycerin AHS protocol

Answer 18

Adult acute coronary syndrome (suspected)

Question 19

Nitroglycerin classification

Answer 19

Antianginal, vasodilator

Question 20

Nitroglycerin mechanism of action

Answer 20

-causes relaxation of vascular smooth muscle; dilation of both arterial and venous blood vessels, decreasing both preload and afterload.
-myocardial perfusion is increased through coronary and collateral blood vessel dilation.

Question 21

Nitroglycerin indications

Answer 21

Suspected adult coronary syndrome (chest pain)

Question 22

Nitroglycerin contraindications

Answer 22

-Systolic BP less than 100mmHg
-right ventricular infarction/acute stemi(12 lead message)
-patients taking phosphodiesterase inhibitors(MANDATORY OLMC)

Question 23

Nitroglycerin adult dose

Answer 23

-0.4mg sublingual spray 5min prn or until systolic BP less than 100mmHg
-0.8 mg/hr patch
-0.3mg sublingual tablet 5min prn or until systolic BP less than 100mmHg

Question 24

Nitroglycerin pediatric dose

Answer 24

N/A

Question 25

Nitroglycerin side effects

Answer 25

-headaches
-hypotension
-dizziness/lightheadedness
-nausea/vomiting

Question 26

Nitroglycerin pharmacokinetics

Answer 26

Onset: 1-3 mins (sublingual), 40-60 mins (patch)

Question 27

Nitroglycerin EMS considerations

Answer 27

-PCPs will withhold all forms of nitrogen if monitor generated a message reading STEMI, ACUTE MI SUSPECTED, ST ELEVATION CRITERIA MET.
-contact OLMC if patient took viagra/cialis in the previous 24-48hrs.
-IV should be in place prior to administration.
-apply patch on upper left chest, write the date and time on the patch.
-remove any medical patches.
-contact OLMC if chest pain is accompanied by severe brady or tachydysrhythmia