UNIT 2 DRUG CARDS

Question 1

atenolol

Answer 1

Class: beta blocker
- Blocks norepinephrine & epinephrine (sympathetic stimulation) by blocking beta receptors from receiving epinephrine = prevent increase in heart rate
-Reduces workload of heart & O2 consumption
-Manages hypertension
-Prevention of myocardial infarction

Implications:
-Monitor BP, EKG, Pulse
-May cause dizziness, orthostatic hypotension,

Question 2

Enalapril

Answer 2

Class:
Antihypertensive - lowers bp
Ace inhibitor - angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor

Side effects:
-Dry cough
-Hypotension, dizziness

Nursing implications:
-Monitor blood pressure
-Monitor bun (blood urea nitrogen), creatinine, electrolyes

Question 3

Nitroglycerin

Answer 3

Class: Vasodilator

• Increases coronary blood flow, dilates coronary arteries
• Used for angina contributing to ^ cardiac output; reduces BP

Nursing implications:
-Monitor BP and pulse before/after administration
-Caution pt to change positions slowly = minimize orthostatic hypotension
-

Question 4

Digoxin

Answer 4

Class:
Cardiac glycoside
Positive inotropic - Inotrope = an agent that alters the force or energy of muscular contractions

-Increases force of cardiac contractions
-SLOWS and strengthens heart rate

Implications:
-Monitor apical pulse for one full minute before administering
-Hold if AP is < 60
-Monitor EKG strip
-Maintain serum digoxin between 0.5-2mg/dL

Digoxin toxicity:
-Abdominal pain, anorexia, nausea, vomiting
-Visual disturbances = pt sees yellow halos around objects
-Bradycardia

Question 5

Atorvastatin

Answer 5

Class:
Lipid lowering agent

• Prevents CVD by lowering serum cholesterol levels = prevents plaque buildup

Implications:
-Monitor liver enzymes
-Monitor serum cholesterol levels + triglycerides
-If pt complains of muscle pain: check creatinine kinase , could be a sign of rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle fibers and build up of CK in blood)

Question 6

Heparin

Answer 6

Anticoagulant, antithrombotic

Use - prophylaxis and treatment of various thromboembolic disorders: venous thromboembolism (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), atrial fibrillation (AF)

Protamine sulfate = antidote

Implications:
-Assess for bleeding
- Bleeding precaution

Question 7

Warfarin

Answer 7

Class: anticoagulant
Use: prophylaxis and treatment of DVT, PE and prevent clots in pt with AFib\
Test to monitor serum level PT & INR

Vitamin K = Antidote

Implications:
-Watch for bleeding / bleeding precautions
- Educate pt to avoid leafy greens = Vitamin K which is antidote

Question 8

Enoxaparin

Answer 8

Class: anticoagulant

Use: reduce risk of DVT which may = PE
Used more long term than heparin

No need to monitor serum levels