Vasodilators Flashcards
1
Q
Medications
A
- Hydralazine
- Nitroprusside
- Minoxidil
2
Q
Action
A
- Acts directly on vascular smooth muscle to cause muscle relaxation, which leads to vasodilation and decrease in BP
- Also decreases peripheral vascular resistance which increases CO
3
Q
Indications
A
- Severe HTN
- Malignant HTN
- Hypertensive emergencies
4
Q
Contraindications
A
-Allergy
5
Q
Cautions
A
-Conditions exacerbated by decreased BP: peripheral vascular disease, CAD, CHF, cerebral insufficiency, tachycardia
6
Q
Adverse effects
A
- Related to changes in BP
- GI upset
- Cyanide toxicity with nitroprusside: pink/cherry red skin, headache, dizziness, tachycardia
7
Q
Assessment
A
- History: Allergy, CV dysfunction
- Physical: skin, cardiac, respiratory, abdominal, VS, ECG, weight
- Labs: Renal and hepatic fx
8
Q
Nursing diagnoses
A
- Ineffective tissue perfusion
- Impaired skin integrity
- Acute pain
- Deficient knowledge
9
Q
Implementation
A
- Encourage lifestyle changes
- Monitor BP closely
- Monitor pt carefully in situation that might lead to a drop in fluid volume
- Comfort measures
- Provide pt teaching
10
Q
Evaluation
A
- Evaluate response to drug
- Evaluate effectiveness of teaching plan
- Evaluate effectiveness of comfort and safety measures
- Evaluate compliance with the regimen
