Medications

Question 1

Statin

Answer 1

Inhibits hepatic cholesterol synthesis

SE:
Liver dysfunction
Myalgias
Arthralgias
Rhabdomyolysis
Acute renal failure

Question 2

Antiplatelets

Answer 2

Decrease clot formation and propagation

SE:
bleeding risk (CVA)
GI upset and bleeding

Question 3

Anticoagulants

Answer 3

Decrease clot formation and propagation

Coumadin
Heparin

SE:
bleeding risk (CVA)
GI upset and bleeding

Question 4

Coumadin lab test and normal values

Answer 4

PT: ~12-15 sec
INR: .8 to 1.2

Question 5

Heparin lab test and normal values

Answer 5

via IV

PTT: ~32-70 sec

Question 6

Thrombolytics

Answer 6

breakdown clot; lyse clot

SE:
bleeding risk (CVA)
GI upset and bleeding

Question 7

Beta blockers

Answer 7

negative chronotropy and inotropy (reduces afterload)

*decreases resting HR and will blunt exercise HR

SE:
bronchospasm
bradycardia
hypotension
fatigue/depression

Question 8

Nitrates

Answer 8

relax vascular smooth muscle via liberation of NO

venodilation, arteriodilation, coronary artery dilation

SE:
hypotension (reflexive tachycardia)
headache
nausea/vomiting
weakness
nitrate tolerance

Question 9

ACE inhibitors

Answer 9

decrease angiotensin II and aldosterone production (reduces afterload)

SE:
hypotension
cough
angioedema

Question 10

Diuretics

Answer 10

Diuresis, venodilation (preload reduction), control pulmonary and peripheral “congestion”

SE:
hypotension/hypovolemia
electrolyte abnormalities (hypo/hyperkalemia)

Question 11

Inotropes

Answer 11

increase contractility by enhancing Ca2+ release

SE:
dysrhythmias
hypotension
fatigue

Question 12

Calcium channel blockers

Answer 12

decrease smooth muscle contraction (vasodilation) and heart rate

SE:
hypotension
dizziness
headache
fatigue
bradycardia

Question 13

Beta agonist

Answer 13

Bronchodilators

Activates beta 2 receptor; promotes smooth muscle relaxation

S/RABA: short acting (inhaler)
LABA: long acting

SE:
tachycardia
HTN
tremors
anxiety

Question 14

Anticholinergics

Answer 14

Bronchodilator

Blocks muscarinic receptor; promotes smooth muscle relaxation

S/RAMA: short acting
LAMA: long acting

SE:
dry mouth
allergic reaction
urinary retention

Question 15

Anti-inflammatory

Answer 15

Long term control of inflammation

Corticosteroids (via inhaler; also PO/IV)
Inflammation is common thread amongst lung disorders

SE:
immunosuppression
myopathy
hyperglycemia
osteoporosis
insomnia
salt and water retention
emotional ability

Question 16

Oxygen

Answer 16

Low flow: 0-6 L/min
Can cause irritation/dryness

Not indicated for SpO2 > 89%
Give lowest FiO2 to reach desired pulse ox