Ch. 13: Drugs for Hypertension Flashcards
a drug that opposes the excitatory effects of norepinephrine released from sympathetic nerve endings at alpha receptors and causes vasodilation and a decrease in blood pressure. also called alpha-adrenergic blocking agents
alpha blocker
drugs that combine with the effects of alpha blockers and beta blockers
alpha-beta blockers
diffuse swelling of the face, including the eyes, lips, and tongue. may progress to swelling of the trachea, which is life threatening
angioedema
group of drugs that modulate the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and lower blood pressure
angiotensin II receptor antagonist
substance or drug that lowers BP
antihypertensive
hardening of the arterial walls
arteriosclerosis
clogging, narrowing, and hardening of the large arteries and medium size blood vessels of the body, which can lead to stroke, heart attack, and eye and kidney problems
atherosclerosis
drug that limits the activity of epinephrine (a hormone that increases BP); reduce the heart rate and force of muscle contraction, thereby reducing the oxygen demand of the heart
beta blocker (beta adrenergic blocker)
force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as it flows through them
blood pressure
drug that slows the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels, relaxing blood vessels and reducing the workload of the heart
calcium channel blocker
drugs that lower BP by stimulating alpha receptors in the brain, which open peripheral arteries and ease blood fow
central-acting adrenergic agents
blood pressure when the heart is resting between beats
diastolic blood pressure
drugs that act directly on the smooth muscle of small arteries, causing these arteries to expand
direct vasodilators
drug that eliminates excess water and salt from the body
diuretic
arterial disease in which chronic high BP is the primary symptom. abnormally elevated BP
hypertension
dangerously high and life-threatening BP of acute onset
hypertensive crisis
low BP
hypotension
reduction of systolic BP of at least 20 mmHg or diastolic of at least 10 mmHg within 3 minutes of standing
orthostatic hypotension
hypertension for which there is no known cause but is associated with risk factors; 85-90% of hypertensive cases
primary (essential) hypertension
hypertension caused by specific disease states and drugs
secondary hypertension
blood pressure when the heart contracts
systolic BP
any drug that relaxes blood vessel walls
vasodilator
a drug that lowers blood pressure by working with the angiotensin-converting enzyme
ACE inhibitor
what are some lifestyle changes for treating hypertension?
decrease sodium intake, decreased fat intake, lose weight, exercise regularly, quit smoking, decrease alcohol intake, decrease and manage stress
what medications should a patient with high BP not take?
OTC allergy and cold drugs that contain phenylephrine
what are some disorders that could cause secondary hypertension?
partial blockages of the arteries to the kidneys, diseases that damage the kidneys such as infections and diabetes, tumors of the adrenal glands, sleep apnea
what are some drugs that could cause secondary hypertension?
NSAIDs and corticosteroids; OTC allergy and cold drugs that contain phenylephrine
what should you do before giving any antihypertensive drug?
obtain a complete list of drugs the patient is taking, obtain a baseline set of vitals (if low, hold drug and consult provider), ask patient about s/s such as dizziness, light-headedness, and headaches; ask women if they are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
what should you do after giving any hypertensive drug?
monitor VS every 4-8 hours, ask pt about dizziness and light-headedness (signs of hypotension), notify provider of positive orthostatic vitals, tell pt to call for help when getting up and change positions slowly
what should you teach all patients taking antihypertensive drugs?
proper techniques for checking BP and HR and keep a daily record of these, remind about s/s of hypotension, remind to change positions slowly, instruct them not to drive or operate machinery until they know how the drug will affect them, keep all follow-up appts, never take a double dose, notify prescriber of s/s of hypotension or chest pain, these drugs help control not cure hypertension, obtain and wear a medical bracelet
what should you tell a patient to do if they miss a dose?
if they next dose is not due for over 4 hours, take the missed dose as soon as possible. if it is due sooner than 4 hours, skip the missed dose and return to the normal schedule
these are often the first-choice drugs for hypertension
diuretics
how do diuretics work?
they help eliminate excess salt and water from the body tissues and blood, which causes a decrease in body fluids and lowers blood pressure. some also relax arteries to further decrease BP
what diuretics are commonly prescribed for uncomplicated hypertension?
Thiazide diuretics
what are the intended responses of diuretics?
urine output increased, decreased volume in blood vessels, excess salt in the body is decreased, blood vessels are dilate, BP is lowered
what are side effects of diuretics
dizziness, light-headedness, postural hypertension, hypokalemia, hyponatremia
what are adverse effects of diuretic drugs?
‘passing out’ or falling when changing positions, muscle weakness, blurred vision
what should you do before giving diuretics?
check the most recent potassium level, inform the prescriber if it is lower than 3.5, ask about allergic reactions to thiazide drugs
what should you do after giving diuretics?
monitor urine output and BP to determine effectiveness, watch for signs of ototoxicity with IV admin of furoseminde, monitor blood electrolytes (especially potassium)
what should you teach patients about taking diuretics?
keep a record of daily weights (weigh at the same time every day wearing the same type of clothes, on the same scale), report side effects such as: muscle weakness or cramps, sudden decrease in urination, irregular heart beat; take any potassium pills or liquids that are ordered; drink the same amount of fluid they void; teach them about which foods are high in potassium
how do ACE inhibitors work?
they block the production of an enzyme that is necessary for angiotensin II to be made (angiotensin II constricts blood vessels) and help to decrease the buildup of water and salt in the blood and body tissues. so the result is that blood vessels relax and BP is decreased. this also decreases the work load of the heart and increases the blood flow and oxygen to the heart and other organs
ACE inhibitors are given to patients with what types of health problems?
heart failure, kidney disease, and diabetes
what are ACE inhibitors commonly prescribed along with?
diuretics
what is the suffix for most ACE inhibitors?
-pril
what are some common ACE inhibitors?
captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vaotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), trandolapril (Mavik)
what are the intended responses of ACE inhibitors?
production of angiotensin II decreased, vasodilation of blood vessels is increased, excess tissue water and salt are decreased, BP is lowered, workload on the heart is decreased
what are common side effects of ACE inhibitors?
hypotension, protienuria, taste disturbances, hyperkalemia, headache, dry persistent cough, diarrhea, nausea, and unusual fatigue
if a patient has a dry cough with one type of ACE inhibitor, what will happen when they take others?
they will likely have the cough then as well and should be prescribed another type of antihypertensive
what are the modifiable risk factors for hypertension?
smoking, overweight, sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, oral contraceptives
what are non-modifiable risk factors for hypertension?
age, gender, family history, race
what are adverse effects of ACE inhibitors?
fever and chills; hoarseness; swelling in the face, hands, and feet; trouble swallowing or breathing; stomach pain; chest pain; rashes and itching skin; yellow eyes or skin; allergic reactions and kidney failure are rare, but are seen; angioedema; neutropenia (look for signs of infection); photosensitivity
what should you do if you notice a patient taking an ACE inhibitor develops a dry, persistent cough?
notify the prescriber and discontinue the drug
what should you do before giving an ACE inhibitor?
ask if the client has had any allergic reactions to any other drugs because they are more likely to develop an allergic reaction to an ACE inhibitor than any other BP medication; ask if they are also taking diuretics because ACE inhibitors enhance the BP lowering effects of them.
what should you monitor after giving an ACE inhibitor?
the clients potassium levels to make sure they are not too high (especially if they are already taking a potassium sparing diuretic); keep track of urine output and weight to monitor their kidney function; monitor for allergic reactions
what should you teach a patient who is taking an ACE inhibitor?
drinking alcohol increases BP lowering effects; take at same time every day; captopril should be taken 1 hour before eating or on an empty stomach; avoid salt substitutes; go to ER immediately if they notice facial swelling; wear protective clothing and limit direct sunlight when taking enalapril, quinapril, or ramipril
what should you consider before giving an ace inhibitor to a child?
they have a higher risk for severe side effects so the benefits should greatly outweigh the risks
what considerations should you make before giving an ACE inhibitor to a pregnant or breastfeeding woman?
they are pregnancy category D and can cause birth defects; should not be given to women who are pregnant or are thinking about becoming pregnant; these drugs pass into breast milk and should not be given to breast feeding women because they can lower BP and lead to kidney damage in the infant
what category is lisinopril?
pregnancy category C during the first trimester and D in the second and third
what are older adults at higher risk for when taking ACE inhibitors?
postural hypotension and should take extra precautions when changing positions or standing up
what should you watch for after giving the first dose of ACE inhibitors?
first dose hypotension