MI + Pharmacology

Question 1

IV - Nitroglycerin

Answer 1

**VASODILATOR
-reduces workload
-reduces pain
»common side effect = headache = OK
^^^^what you are treating is more important than a headache

***KNOW B/P BEFORE ADMIN; NITRO WILL TANK B/P and will WORSEN HYPOtension!

Question 2

Morphine

Answer 2

• reduces cardiac workload: when workload is decreased, oxygen demand is decreased as well!
• reduces pain

***can cause constipation = anticipate this

Question 3

Beta-Blockers

Answer 3

• reduces oxygen demand
• reduces HR & B/P
• prevents dysrhythmias
• *DO NOT use in HYPOtensive pts
• **DO NOT use in heartblock patients (dont block a block)

Question 4

ACE inhibitors/ARBs

Answer 4

***PREVENTS remodeling (you DON’T want remodeling in the heart)
^^^^decreased remodeling = decreased mortality after MI

Question 5

Stool softners

Answer 5

stool softeners decrease the risk of BEARING DOWN with a BM (esp if constipated from morphine), bearing down stimulates a vagal response which leads to dysrhythmias!!!