Cardiovascular Drugs

Question 1

Inhibits the sodium-potassium pump, resulting in an increase in
intracellular sodium; leads to an influx of calcium, causing the cardiac muscle fibers to contract more efficiently

Intended responses – increased contractility and cardiac output, decreased heart rate

Answer 1

Cardiac Glycosides

Ex: digoxin

Question 2

Digoxin has a very narrow therapeutic range

What is it for dysrhythmias? HF?

Answer 2

○ 0.8-2 for dysrhythmias
○ 0.5-1 for HF

Question 3

Digoxin toxicity

BADVAN

Answer 3

• brady/tachycardia
• anorexia
• diarrhea
• visual disturbances
• abdominal cramps
• nausea/vomiting

Question 4

Ascertain apical pulse rate before administering digoxin.

Digoxin should be held for HR less than

Answer 4

60 bpm

Question 5

Patients taking digoxin w/ diuretics & cortisone should

Answer 5

take potassium supplement or foods rich in potassium to avoid hypokalemia and digitalis toxicity

Question 6

Anti-dysrhythmias can fix dysrhythmias, BUT

Answer 6

can cause a new one

Question 7

Decreases preload by vasodilation
Indirectly decreases afterload
Better oxygenation of myocardial cells

-Short acting: end angina episode
-Long acting: decrease severity & frequency of angina episodes

Answer 7

Antianginals/Nitrates

Ex: Nitroglycerin