Medications for Cardiovascular, Pulmonary and Metabolic Conditions

Question 1

Name and describe 2 anticoagulant Medications for CVD.

Answer 1

Aspirin and Warfarin. These medications act by inhibiting coagulation of blood, thereby preventing MI or Stroke caused by embolus/blood clots.

Question 2

Describe the action of Atenolol and Propanolol. What is the difference between them?

Answer 2

Both are Beta-Blockers inhibiting adrenergic effects on the heart. Propanolol is different as it is non selective and may cause added airway constriction which is contraindicated for COPD clients.

Question 3

Drugs to act on hypertensive patients fall under an ABCD framework - what are each of the groups and how do they act on the client, include 2 possible side effects of each.

Answer 3

A - ACE inhibitors: block conversion of Angiotensin I to II thereby lowering BP through decreased systemic vascular resistance (total peripheral resistance). Side effects: hypotension, headache, fatigue.

B - Beta-blockers: decrease HR, BP, CO, contractility/conduction of myocardium. Side effects: reduced response to stimulus (exercise), hypotension, dizziness.

C - Calcium Channel Blockers: inhibit contractility, conduction and vascular tone. Side effects: hypotension, SOB.

D - Diuretics: reduce fluid load: Side effects: dehydration, electrolyte imbalance.

Question 4

Nitrates may be taken for their capacity to improve symptoms of Angina - they do this by converting to NO in the vessel walls thereby dilating them and increasing blood flow to the heart. T/F?

Answer 4

True: examples include;
Glycerol trinitrate
Isosorbide dinitrate
Isosorbide mononitrate

Question 5

List three pulmonary reliever medications, One from each of the three main groups. And why are they relieving meds?

Answer 5

Beta-2 Agonist: Salbutamol (Ventolin) - bind to adrenoceptors of smooth muscle thereby dilating the airway.
Antimuscarinic: Ipratropium - as well as dilating airway these act to dry up secretions.
Methylxanthine: Theophylline - adrenergic effect on cells (fight or flight - opens up airways to enhance airflow for flight, etc)

Question 6

Corticosteroids are used as a preventative medication in clients with pulmonary restrictions. Name one inhaled and one orally administered steroid, and how do they work.

Answer 6

Inhaled: Fluticasone, Budesonide.
Orally: Prednisone, Prednisolone.
Both are anti-inflammatory

Question 7

Metformin is a Biguanide insulin sensitiser, hence it increeases muscle insulin sensitivity. T/F?

Answer 7

True

Question 8

A number of drugs are available for obesity that stimulate adrenergic activity or inhibit serotonin thereby inhibiting what sensation?

Answer 8

Hunger sensation.