Medications

Question 1

Ace Inhibitors

Answer 1

Prevent the body from creating a hormone known as angiotensin II. Blocks a chemical called angiotensin converting enzyme. Relaxes blood vessels and helps to reduce amount of water re-absorbed by the kidneys. DECREASES BP.

Question 2

Beta Blockers

Answer 2

Manage abnormal heart rhythms and to protect the heart from a second heart attack after the first heart attack and treat high BP. PATIENTS IN ACUTE HF SHOULD NOT BE STARTED ON THESE DRUGS.

Question 3

Calcium Channel Blockers

Answer 3

When calcium is moved into the cardiac cells it causes decreased heart contractility, so if the calcium is blocked it allows the heart to pump stronger.

Question 4

Sublingual Nitroglycerin

Answer 4

Decreases afterload and preload, given every five minutes for three doses while establishing IV access for additional drug therapy.

Question 5

Diuretics

Answer 5

Drugs that increase urine production or fluid loss.

Question 6

Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

Answer 6

Suppress the renin system whish is activated in response to decreased renal blood flow. These drugs block aldosterone, which prevents sodium and water retention, thus decreasing fluid overload and therefore decreasing BP.

Question 7

Angiotensin Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitor (ARNI)

Answer 7

Used in place of ACE and ARBs. (Enestro)

Question 8

Angiotensin Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitor (ARNI)

Answer 8

Used in place of ACE and ARBs. (Enestro)

Question 9

Enalapril [Vasotec] and Fosinopril [Monopril] are what type of drugs?

Answer 9

ACE inhibitors

Question 10

Valsartan [Diovan], Irbesartan [Avapro], and Losartan [Cozaar] are what type of drugs?

Answer 10

ARBs

Question 11

Vasotec IV is used for what?

Answer 11

Patients with acute HF are sometimes prescribed Vasotec IV which is an ACE inhibitor.

Question 12

Nesiritide [Natrecor] is what type of drug?

Answer 12

hBNPs . BNP is released in response to decreased CO and causes natriuresis, or loss of sodium in the renal tubes, and vasodilation.
It is given as an IV bolus over 60 seconds followed with a continuous infusion for up to 48 hours.

Question 13

Furosemide [Lasix], Torsemide [Demadex], and Bumetanide [Burinex] are what types of drugs?

Answer 13

Loop diuretics, most effective for treating fluid volume overload.

Question 14

What is the difference in thiazides and loop diuretics?

Answer 14

Unlike loop diuretics, the action of thiazides is self limiting because diuresis decreases after edema fluid is loss. Therefore the dehydration that may occur with loop diuretics is not common with these drugs.

Question 15

What is spironolactone [Aldactone]?

Answer 15

Potassium-sparing diuretic

Question 16

Nitrates can be used for what?

Answer 16

Patients with HF who has persistent dyspnea. Vasodilators.

Question 17

What is Microzide, Urozide, and metolazone [Zaroxolyn]?

Answer 17

Thiazides. Zaroxolyn is a long acting agent and should not be given every day.

Question 18

What is Levosimendan [Simdax] used for?

Answer 18

It is a calcium-sensitizing medication and a positive inotropic drug. It appears to bind to troponin C in the heart muscle and therefore increases the contraction of the heart. Used most in patients who have had or are a high risk for MI.

Question 19

What is Ivabradine [Corlanor]?

Answer 19

Used for the treatment of stabilized CHF. It slows the HR by inhibiting a specific channel in the sinus node.

Question 20

Coumadin is an antidote for what?

Answer 20

Vitamin K

Question 21

Protamine Sulfate is an antidote for what?

Answer 21

Heparin

Question 22

What is Hydroxyurea?

Answer 22

Given to patients with SCD to reduce the number of sickling and pain episodes by stimulating fetal hemoglobin (Hbf) stimulation.
Can cause leukemia and birth defects.

Question 23

What does Mannitol [Osmitrol] do?

Answer 23

Osmotic Diuretic. Prevents debris and hemoglobin from collecting in the kidney tubules, which can lead to acute kidney injury.

Question 24

Alprostadil [Prostin] and Plicamycin

Answer 24

Inhibit platelet clumping