Cardiovascular Medication Basics
These medications block alpha-1 receptors, dilate blood vessels, and lower blood pressure.
What are alpha-adrenergic antagonists?
A patient taking an alpha blocker becomes dizzy when standing up from a chair. This medication-related drop in blood pressure is called what?
What is orthostatic hypotension?
A patient with hypertension takes Cardura. What medication class is this?
What are alpha-adrenergic antagonists?
Ventolin is commonly used to relieve wheezing and bronchospasm. What medication class is it?
What are bronchodilators?
A patient taking a beta blocker is exercising. Which subjective measure can help the PTA monitor exercise intensity when heart-rate response is blunted?
What is the rating of perceived exertion (RPE)?
Capoten and Vasotec belong to this class, which lowers blood pressure by suppressing the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II.
What are ACE inhibitors?
A patient taking a beta blocker has a smaller-than-expected heart-rate increase during treadmill exercise. What is the reason?
What is beta blockade reducing the heart-rate response to exercise?
A patient with angina takes Nitrostat to relieve acute chest discomfort. What medication class is this?
What are nitrates?
Benadryl blocks the effects of histamine and is commonly used for allergies. What medication class is it?
What are antihistamines?
A patient taking a diuretic becomes dizzy during a transfer from sitting to standing. What should the PTA do first?
What is stabilize the patient, assess symptoms and vital signs, and prevent a fall?
These medications decrease heart rate and contractility, reducing myocardial oxygen demand.
What are beta blockers?
A patient taking a diuretic reports muscle cramps and weakness. The PTA should suspect this possible medication-related problem.
What is an electrolyte imbalance?
A patient with heart failure and fluid retention takes Lasix. What medication class is this?
What are diuretics?
Pulmicort helps prevent airway inflammation in patients with asthma. What medication category does it belong to?
What are anti-inflammatory agents (inhaled corticosteroids)?
A patient prescribed an inhaled corticosteroid asks how to reduce local mouth and throat irritation. What should the PTA reinforce?
What is rinse the mouth with water after inhalation?
Nitrostat belongs to this medication class, which relaxes smooth muscle and dilates blood vessels to help relieve angina.
What are nitrates?
A patient taking an ACE inhibitor develops a persistent dry cough. Is this a recognized side effect of the medication?
What is yes, a dry cough is a recognized ACE inhibitor side effect?
A patient with atrial fibrillation takes Coumadin to reduce the risk of thromboembolic events. What medication class is this?
What are anticoagulants?
Mucinex helps loosen mucus and improve its removal through coughing. What medication class is it?
What are expectorants?
A patient with COPD is prescribed a short-acting rescue bronchodilator. What should the PTA remind the patient to bring to therapy and use according to the prescribed plan?
What is the rescue inhaler?
Lanoxin increases the force of myocardial contraction and slows conduction through the AV node. What medication class does it represent?
What are positive inotropic agents (cardiac glycosides)?
A patient taking an anticoagulant falls during gait training and strikes their head. Why does this require urgent medical evaluation even if the patient initially feels fine?
What is the increased risk of internal bleeding, including intracranial hemorrhage?
A patient with atherosclerosis and elevated cholesterol takes Lipitor. What medication class is this, and how can aerobic exercise complement its effects?
What are antihyperlipidemia agents (statins); aerobic exercise can improve the lipid profile, including increasing HDL?
A patient with asthma uses an inhaled corticosteroid daily. Why should the patient not rely on this medication alone for immediate relief of an acute asthma attack?
What is an inhaled corticosteroid reduces inflammation but is not a rapid-acting bronchodilator?
A patient taking an anticoagulant develops unusual bruising and reports bleeding gums. What should the PTA do?
What is document and promptly report the findings to the supervising PT or medical team because of possible excessive bleeding?