Cardiovascular medications (Beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, digitalis glycosides)

Question 1

Atenolol

beta blockers

Answer 1

Purpose: tx of mild to moderate hypertension & MI, prophylaxis of angina

Nurs con: -masks signs of hypoglycemia in diabetics

• check pulses: if less than 50 bpm, hold med & contact provider
• Do not stop abruptly: taper over 2 weeks

Question 2

Carvedilol

beta blockers

Answer 2

Purpose: tx of hypertension, CHF, LV dysfunction after MI and cardiomyopathy
Nurs con: - do not stop abruptly; taper over 1-2 weeks

Question 3

Metoprolol

beta blockers

Answer 3

Purpose: tx of hypertension, acute MI, angina, heart failure, & cardiomyopathy

Nurs con: -check pulse if less than 60 beats per minute

• do not stop abruptly; taper over 2 wks; may precipitate angina
• do not use OTC products (nasal decongestants, cold preparations) unless directed by provider
• may worsen heart failure

Question 4

Propranolol HCL

beta blockers

Answer 4

purpose: tx of stable angina, hypertension, supraventricular dysrhytmias & acute MI; prophylaxis of migraine

Nurs con: check pulse, if less than 50 bpm, hold med & contact provider
-do not stop abruptly; taper over 2 weeks; may precipitate life threatening dysrhythmia’s

Question 5

Amlodipine

Calcium channel blockers

Answer 5

purpose: treatment of chronic stable angina, hypertension & variant angina

Nurs con:

• check pulse, if less than 50 bpm, hold med & contact provider
• consult provider if taking nonprescription cough remedies

Question 6

Diltiazem HCL
(calcium channel blockers)

Answer 6

purpose: management of angina, vasospasm’s, hypertension, atrial fibrillation/flutter & supra-ventricular tachycardia

Question 7

Felodipine

calcium channel blockers

Answer 7

purpose: treatment of essential hypertension

Question 8

Nifedipine

calcium channel blockers

Answer 8

purpose: treatment of hypertension & angina

Question 9

Verapamil HCL 
(calcium channel blockers)

Answer 9

purpose: treatment of angina, dysrhythmia’s, hypertension, supraventricular tachycardia & atrial flutter/fibrillation

Question 10

Digoxin

Digitalis gylcosides

Answer 10

Purpose: tx of heart failure & atrial fibrillation

Nurs con:

• eat a sodium-restricted & potassium-rich (bananas, orange juice) diet to keep potassium level normal
• do not stop product abruptly