Cardiovascular Pharmacology Flashcards
Atenolol (Black Box Alert)
Trade Name: Tenormin
Classification: B-Blocker; antiHTN, anti antianginal, antiarrhythmic
Common Side/Adverse Effects: HoTN, constipation, dizziness
Black Box Alert: Do not abruptly discontinue, may vause acute tachycardia, HTN, or ischemia
Nursing Interventions: Monitor BP, pulse, and resp. Monitor bowel activity/consistency. Assess for HF
Teaching Points: Don’t abruptly discontinue taking. Change positions slowly. Avoid tasks that require alertness.
Aspirin (high alert)
Trade Names: Bayer, Ascriptin, Bufferin, Durlaza, Ecotrin
Classification: Nonsterioidal salicylate; anti-inflammatory, antipiuretic, anticoagulant
Common Use: mild/mod pain, fever, platelet aggregation
Common side/adverse effects: GI discomfort, nausea, vomiting, tinnitus
Nursing Interventions: Monitor urinary pH for toxicity. Assess for ecchymosis (bruising). Evaluate for therapeutic response.
Teaching Points: Don’t chew/crush/dissolve/divide enteric-coated tabs. Avoid alcohol. Report tinnitus or GI pain/bleeding.
Captopril (Black Box Alert)
Trade Name: Capoten
Classification: ACE-Inhibitor; antiHTN, vasodilator
Common Use: HTN, HF, DM neuropathy
Common Side/Adverse Effects: Rash, taste disturbances, HoTN, dry cough, angioedema
Black Box Warning: May cause injury/death to developing fetus
Nursing Interventions: Assess skin for rash, assist w/ ambulation, discontinue if angioedema occurs
Teaching Points: Change positions slowly, take same time each day, no double dosing if one is missed
Digoxin
Trade Names: Digitek, Digox, Lanoxin
Classification: Cardiac gycoside; antiarrhthmic, cardiotonic
Common Use: mild/moderate HF, increase C/O, decrease HR
Common Side/Adverse Effects: dizziness, headache, visual disturbances
Nursing Interventions: Monitor pulse and EKG for bradycardia and dysrhythmias. Monitor toxicity signs (GI disturbances, neuro abnormalities).
Teaching Points: Take pulse, contact HCP if pulse is <60 or >100. Don’t double does if missed one. Inform dentist or other physician of taking digoxin.
Digibind
Generic Name: Digoxin immune fab
Classification: antidote; antibody fragments
Common Use: Antidote for digoxin toxicity
Possible Side/Adverse Effects: fever, hyper/hypo -kalemia, SOB, swelling
Nursing Interventions
Diltiazem
Trade Names: Cardizem, “ CD, “ LA, Cartia XT, Taztia XT, Tiazac
Classification: Ca+ Channel Blocker; antianginal, antiHTN, antiarrhythmic
Common Use: HTN, angina
Common Side/Adverse Effects: peripheral edema, arrhythmias, HF
Nursing Interventions: Assist w/ ambulation, assess for peripheral edema, monitor pulse rate for bradycardia
Teaching points: Change positions slowly. Avoid tasks that require alertness. How to monitor pulse and contact HCP if pulse rate is <50.
Verapamil
Trade Names: Calan, “ SR, “ Isoptin SR, Verelan, “ PM
Classification: Ca+ Channel Blaocker; antiHTN, antianginal, antiarrhythmic
Common Use: HTN, angina, dysrhythmia
Common Side/Adverse Effects: constipation, dizziness, lightheadedness
Nursing Interventions: Monitor BP and EKG. Assess pulse quality/rate/rhythm. Assess for peripheral edema.
Teaching points: Change positions slowly. Report persistent angina. Don’t abruptly discontinue med.
Enalapril
BLACK BOX ALERT
Trade Names: Epaned, Vasotec
Classification: ACE-inhibitor; AntiHTN, vasodilator
Common Use: HTN, CHF, LV dysfunction
Common Side/Adverse Effects: Dry cough, angioedema, ortho/hypo, headache
Black Box Warning: Fetal injury
Nursing Interventions: Assist w/ ambulation. Monitor CBC, BUN, K+, creatinine, and BP. Monitor bowl activity/consistency.
Teaching points: Change positions slowly. skipping or discontinuing drug may result in rebound HTN. Report swelling in face/lips/tongue (angioedema).
Furosemide
BLACK BOX ALERT
Trade Names: Lasix
Classification: Loop diuretic; diuretic
Common Use: Edema fr HF, HTN
Common Side/Adverse Effects: Dehydration. Hypo -Ca+, -K+, -Na+, Mg, -volemia, -Cl. Nausea. Abd cramps.
Black Box Warning: Large amounts can lead to huge increase of diuresis and electrolyte depletion.
Nursing Interventions: Monitor BP/vitals/I&O/weight/electrolytes. Watch for hypokalemia. Monitor signs of hearing loss.
Teaching points: Take in the morning to avoid nocturia. Report any hearing loss. Eat food high in K+.
Hydrochlorothiazide
Trade Names: Microzide
Classification: Sulfonamide derivative; thiazide diuretic, antiHTN
Common Use: HTN, edema, diabetes insipidus
Common Side/Adverse Effects: S/s of ortho/HoTN. Dehydration. Hypo -kalemia, -natremia, -chloremia.
Nursing Interventions: Monitor weight and vitals. Monitor I&O and K+ levels. Monitor s/s of hearing loss.
Teaching points: Take in the morning or early in the day to avoid nocturia. Report any signs of gout. Change positions slowly.
Lidocaine
Trade Names: Lidoderm, Xylocaine
Classification: Amide anesthetic; Class 1B Anti-dysrhythmic, anesthetic.
Common Use: Ventricular dysrhythmias
Common Side/Adverse Effects: HoTN, edema, skin irritation
Nursing Interventions: Monitor EKG nd VS during and after administration for dysrhythmias. Drowsiness indicates high serum lvls of lidocaine. Monitor LOC.
Teaching points: Report dizziness, numbness, double-vision, nausea, difficulty breathing
Lisinopril
BLACK BOX ALERT
Trade Names: Zestril, Prinivil, Qbrelis
Classification: ACE-inhibitor; antiHTN
Common Use: HTN, HF, MI
Common Side/Adverse Effects: Headache, dizziness, HoTN, dry cough, angioedema
Black Box Warning: May cause fetal injury/mortality.
Nursing Interventions: Assess for edema. Auscultate lungs for rales. Assist w/ ambulation.
Teaching points: Change positions slowly. Report persistent cough, vomiting, swelling in face/lips/tongue (angioedema), diff. breathing. Limit alcohol intake.
Morphine
BLACK BOX ALERT
Trade Names: Duramorph, Embeda, Infumorph, Kadian
Classification: Opioid agonist; opioid analgesic
Common Use: Severe pain, decreases anxiety
Common Side/Adverse Effects: Confusion, sedation, HoTN, constipation, resp depression
Black Box Warning: Addiction, abuse, misuse
Nursing Interventions: Take vitals before and after administration. Watch for decreased resp and BP. Monitor bowel activity/consistency.
Teaching points: Change positions slowly, call for assistance when ambulating. Avoid tasks that require alertness. Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants. Report constipation, urinary retention, and ineffective pain treatment.
Metoprolol
BLACK BOX ALERT
Trade Names: Lopressor, Toprol XL
Classification: Beta blocker; antianginal, antiHTN
Common Use: HTN, angina, HF, MI treatment
Common Side/Adverse Effects: Fatigue, weakness, bradycardia, pulmonary edema
Black Box Warning: Abrupt w/drawal may result in life-threatening arrhythmias, HTN, myocardial ischemia.
Nursing Interventions: Monitor vitals for HoTN, SOB. Assess for s/s of HF. Monitor I&O.
Teaching points: Take BP and pulse before taking med. Change positions slowly. Avoid tasks that require alertness.
Methyldopa
Trade Names: Aldomet
Classification: Centrally acting antiadrenergics; antiHTN
Common Use: HTN
Common Side/Adverse Effects: Headache, muscle weakness, swelling in ankles or feet
Nursing Interventions: Monitor BP
Teaching points: Change positions slowly. Abrupt w/drawal can result in rebound HTN. Do not take with iron supplements – iron blocks absorption.
Metolazone
Trade Names: Zaroxolyn
Classification: Thiazide diuretic; diuretic, antiHTN
Common use: HTN, edema fr HF
Common Side/Adverse Effects: Dizziness, hypokalemia, headache, HoTN
Nursing Interventions: Fall-prevention. Monitor for electrolyte depletion – s/s of hypokalemia and hyponatremia. Monitor I&O and weight.
Teaching points: Change positions slowly. Eat foods high in K+. Caution when exercising – sweating can exaggerate diuretic side effects and cause even more fluid/electrolyte loss.
Nitroglycerine
Trade Names: Nitrostat, Rectiv, Nitro-Bid, Nitro-Dur
Classification: Nitrate; Antianginal, antiHTN, coronary vasodilator
Common Use: acute anginal pain
Common Side/Adverse Effects: orthohypo, headache, reflex tachycardia
Nursing Interventions: Check BP before and after administrating. Rotate transdermal patches, on for 12-14hr off for 10-12hr. Assess location, quality, and duration of anginal pain.
Teaching points: Take at first sign of angina, can take another dose if not relieved after 5min. If not relieved after 3 doses w/in 15 min, immediately call HCP or go to ER. Keep containers away from heat. Change positions slowly.
Potassium Chloride
Trade Names: Klor-Con, Klor-Con M10, Klor-Con M15, Klor-Con M20, K-Tab
Classification: Electrolyte; potassium replenisher
Common Use: Prevents/corrects K+ deficiency
Common Side/Adverse Effects: GI discomfort (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), hyperkalemia, dysrhythmias
Nursing Interventions: Monitor K+ levels. IV potassium must ALWAYS be diluted before administrating. Be alert to s/s of hyperkalemia.
Teaching points: Report any paresthesia, weakness, tarry/bloody stools.
Procainamide
Trade Names: Pronestyl
Classification: Membrane stabilizer; antiarrythmic (IA)
Common Use: dysrhythmias
Common Side/Adverse Effects: Diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, seizures
Nursing Interventions: Take BP and apical pulse before administration. Monitor BP. HoTN = toxicity.
Teaching points: Do not cut/crush/chew long-acting tablets.
Spironolactone
BLACK BOX ALERT
Trade Names: Aldactone, Carospir
Classification: diuretics, K+ sparing diuretic
Common Use: HTN, edema
Common Side/Adverse Effects: Hyperkalemia, dehydration, hyponatremia, nausea, vomiting
Black Box Warning: Shown to produce tumors in chronic toxicity studies.
Nursing Interventions: Monitor serum electrolyte values. Monitor I&O and weight. Monitor for s/s of hyponatemia or hyperkalemia.
Teaching points: Limit potassium-rich foods. Report any leg cramps, weakness, fatigue or nausea. Report irregular or slow pulse.
Triamterene
Trade Names: Dyrenium
Classification: Potassium-sparing diuretic
Common Use: Edema, HTN
Common Side/Adverse Effects: Nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, dizziness
Nursing Interventions: Monitor serum electrolyte values. Monitor I&O and weight. Monitor for s/s of hyponatemia or hyperkalemia.
Teaching points: Limit potassium-rich foods. Don’t use salt alternatives. Report irregular heartbeats, weakness, or loss of movement immediately.
Magnesium (sulfate?)
Trade Names: Epsom salt, magnesium sulfate injection
Classification: Minerals electrolyte; antacid, anticonvulsant, electrolyte, laxative
Common Use: Dysrhythmias (VF, VT, or torsades de point) from hypomagnesemia
Common Side/Adverse Effects: decreased HR and RR, cardiac arrest, respiratory paralysis
Nursing Interventions: Monitor EKG. RR should be >=16/min and patellar reflex must be present before each parental dose to prevent resp arrest. Seizure precautions.
Teaching points: Report signs of hypermagnesmia: dizziness, palpitations, fatigue, weakness, altered mental status
Heparin
Trade Names: Hep-lock
Classification: Antithrombotics; anticoagulants
Common Use: Prevent DVT, pulmonary emboli, and emboli fr Afib. STEMI, NSTEMI, unstable angina.
Common Side/Adverse Effects: Bruising or bleeding easily, burning or itching on feet, major hemorrhage
Nursing Interventions: Bleeding precautions. Monitor PPT and aPTT (should be 1.5-2.5 times normal). Monitor/assess urine and stool for occult blood or hematuria. IV 30 min w/in admission.
Teaching points: Use electric razor and a soft toothbrush to prevent bleeding. Blow nose gently. Inform dentist and other physicians of heparin therapy.
Warfarin
BLACK BOX ALERT
Trade Names: Coumadin, Jantoven
Classification: Coumarins; Anticoagulants
Common Use: Prophylaxis of venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and Afib w/ embolization. Reduce risk of embolism after MI.
Common Side/Adverse Effects: Cramps, nausea, major bleeding
Black Box Warning: May cause major or fatal bleeding. Risk factors: history of GI bleeding, HTN, cerebrovascular disease, heart disease, malignancy, trauma, INR >4.
Nursing Interventions: Monitor INR closely. Assess for signs of bleeding or hemorrhage (hematuria, bruises, bleeding gums, black tarry stools, fall in BP). Vitamin K is an antidote.
Teaching points: Use electric razor and a soft toothbrush to prevent bleeding. Advise all HCP they are taking warfarin. Report symptoms of unusual bleeding or bruising. Frequent lab tests are needed to monitor coagulation factors.