Chapter 42 Cardiac Glycosides

Question 1

NONPHARMACOLIC MEASURE TO TREAT HF

Answer 1

•Non drug therapy is a very important part in the management of heart failure.
•Limit salt intake to 2g/day = 1 tsp
•Alcohol intake should be limited to 1 drink per day or completely avoided
•Fluid intake restricted
•No smoking (deprives the heart of oxygen)
Increase exercise ex walking (don’t want to strain your heart)

Question 2

DIGITALIS

Answer 2

• Digitalis began being used in the 1200’s and it is considered one of the oldest drugs. We still use digitalis but in a purified form.
• Digitalis preparations are known primarily for the treatment of heart failure previously known as Congestive Heart Failure (CHF).

Question 3

DIGOXIN

Answer 3

• In clients with a failing heart, cardiac glycosides increase myocardial contraction, which increases cardiac output and improves circulation and tissue perfusion.
• Overdose or accumulation of digoxin causes digitalis toxicity. Signs and symptoms include:
• anorexia
• diarrhea
• nausea and vomiting

Question 4

ACE INHIBITORS

Answer 4

• ACE inhibitors are usually prescribed for HF. ACE inhibitors dilate venules and arterioles, improving renal blood flow and decreasing blood fluid volume.
• ACE inhibitors can increase potassium levels, so serum potassium levels should be monitored, especially if potassium- sparing diuretics ( e. g., spironolactone [ Aldactone]) are being taken concurrently.

Question 5

ANTIANGINAL DRUGS

Answer 5

• The frequency of angina pain depends on many factors, including the type of angina.
• There are three types of angina:
• • Classic ( stable): Occurs with stress or exertion
• • Unstable ( preinfarction): Occurs frequently with progressive severity unrelated to activity
• • Variant ( Prinzmetal, vasospastic): Occurs during rest

Question 6

NON PHARMACOLOGICAL WAYS TO MANAGE ANGINA

Answer 6

• Non pharmacologic methods of decreasing angina attacks are:
• To avoid heavy meals
• No smoking
• Avoid extremes in weather changes
• Avoid strenuous exercise
• Limit emotional upset
• Proper nutrition
• Implement moderate exercise ( only after consulting with a health care provider)

Question 7

TYPES OF ANTIANGINAL DRUGS

Answer 7

1. Nitrates
2. Beta blockers (refer as lol) tiny
3. Calcium Channel Blockers( calcium is electricity to the A-note want to block it)

Question 8

TREATMENT FOR ANGINA

Answer 8

•Nitrates and Calcium Channel Blockers are used to treat Variant Angina. With unstable angina Nitrates are given sublingually and IV if •Beta blockers are used to treat stable angina. They are used to help prevent angina attacks.

Question 9

ANTIAGINAL MEDICATIONS

Answer 9

• Isosorbide monontirate – Monitor for headaches, dizziness, and lightheadedness
• Propranolol – may cause bronchospasms do not give to the patient with asthma
• Diltiazem- can cause postural hypotension
• Verapamil- can lead to edema, constipation, dizziness, headaches, and hypotension

Question 10

CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKER

Answer 10

•Three calcium channel blockers—
•Verapamil (Calan)
•Nifedipine
 (Procardia)
• Diltiazem (Cardizem)
These drugs have been effectively used for the long-term treatment of angina.

Question 11

ANTIDYSRHYTHMICS

Answer 11

A cardiac dysrhythmia ( arrhythmia) is defined as any deviation from the normal rate or pattern of the heartbeat. This includes heart rates that are too slow ( bradycardia), too fast ( tachycardia), or irregular. The terms dysrhythmia ( disturbed heart rhythm) and arrhythmia ( absence of heart rhythm) are used interchangeably, despite the slight difference in meaning. The ECG identifies the type of dysrhythmia.

Question 12

HEART FAILURE

Answer 12

Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle becomes weak and enlarged. The heart looses its ability to pump blood into the body efficiently and circulation is compromised. This is called HF or pump failure.