Important Preface to Drugs

Question 1

When looking at drug traces, always think about ______ first and then ______ second. Explain your reasoning.

Answer 1

1st: Blood pressure

2nd: HR

Changes in blood pressure will d/t a DIRECT effect on the blood vessels and changes in HR may be due to

1. Baroreceptor reflex
2. Direct effects on the heart

Question 2

Inotropy

Answer 2

Drug that affects alter the force of contraction of the myocardium

Question 3

Chronotropic drug

Answer 3

Drug that affects HR (firing of SA node)

HRC

Question 4

Dromotropic drug

Answer 4

Affects speed of electrical impulse

(from SA node => purkinje fibers)

Question 5

When would you give a patient a positive inotropic drug?

Answer 5

Pt with heart attack => will increase force of contraction and pump more blood to the heart

Question 6

When would you give a pt a negative inotropic drug?

Answer 6

High BP/HTN

Decrease number of contractions