Vasodilators, actions, adverse effects, nursing actions, routes of administration, contraindications Flashcards
What is the primary action of vasodilators?
To relax and widen blood vessels, reducing blood pressure.
True or False: Vasodilators can be used to treat heart failure.
True.
Fill in the blank: Vasodilators primarily affect the _____ of blood vessels.
smooth muscle.
Name one common adverse effect of vasodilators.
Hypotension.
What is a nursing action to monitor when a patient is on vasodilators?
Monitor blood pressure regularly.
Which route of administration is commonly used for vasodilators?
Oral, intravenous, or sublingual.
List one contraindication for the use of vasodilators.
Severe aortic stenosis.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a vasodilator? A) Nitroglycerin B) Hydralazine C) Atenolol
C) Atenolol.
What should be done if a patient experiences dizziness while taking a vasodilator?
Instruct the patient to sit or lie down and notify the healthcare provider.
True or False: Vasodilators can cause reflex tachycardia.
True.
What is one potential drug interaction with vasodilators?
Use with other antihypertensive medications may cause excessive hypotension.
Fill in the blank: The primary therapeutic use of vasodilators is to treat _____ hypertension.
essential.
Which vasodilator is often used for acute heart failure?
Nitroglycerin.
What is a common side effect of nitroglycerin?
Headache.
What should be assessed before administering a vasodilator?
Baseline blood pressure and heart rate.
True or False: Vasodilators do not affect renal blood flow.
False.
What is an important patient education point regarding vasodilators?
Avoid sudden position changes to prevent dizziness.
Name a common oral vasodilator.
Hydralazine.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a side effect of hydralazine? A) Weight gain B) Palpitations C) Drowsiness
B) Palpitations.
What is the mechanism of action of calcium channel blockers as vasodilators?
They inhibit calcium influx into vascular smooth muscle, causing relaxation.
List one contraindication for the use of nitroglycerin.
Hypotension.
What type of vasodilator is minoxidil?
A direct vasodilator.
True or False: Vasodilators are effective in treating angina.
True.
What should be monitored for patients taking minoxidil?
Fluid retention and edema.
Fill in the blank: Vasodilators may lead to _____ due to decreased systemic vascular resistance.
reflex tachycardia.
