Hypertension Medications
This class of drugs ends in “-pril” and lowers BP by blocking angiotensin II formation
What are ACE inhibitors?
An early sign of digoxin toxicity.
What is nausea and vomiting? (or visual halos)
This medication class slows conduction through the AV node.
What are beta blockers?
This medication is used for immediate anticoagulation.
What is heparin?
This class of drugs is first-line for lowering LDL cholesterol.
What are statins?
This diuretic class is most effective for rapid fluid removal.
What are loop diuretics?
This electrolyte must be monitored closely with ACE inhibitors and ARBs.
What is potassium?
This beta blocker is commonly used in chronic heart failure.
What is metoprolol (or carvedilol)?
First-line drug for atrial fibrillation rate control.
What is diltiazem (or a beta blocker)?
This lab value is used to monitor warfarin therapy.
What is INR?
Statins should be taken at this time of day for maximum effect.
What is bedtime?
Furosemide works in this part of the nephron.
What is the loop of Henle?
First-line therapy for uncomplicated HTN according to most guidelines.
What are thiazide diuretics?
This medication increases cardiac contractility but has a narrow therapeutic index.
What is digoxin?
This medication can cause thyroid dysfunction and pulmonary toxicity.
What is amiodarone?
A common adverse effect of all anticoagulants.
What is bleeding?
This lab must be monitored due to statin hepatotoxicity.
What are liver enzymes (AST/ALT)?
This diuretic is potassium-sparing.
What is spironolactone?
A common adverse effect of calcium channel blockers.
What is peripheral edema?
Before administering digoxin, the nurse must assess this.
What is apical pulse?
The nurse monitors this ECG interval when administering antiarrhythmics.
What is the QT interval?
This medication does NOT require routine lab monitoring.
What is apixaban (or other DOACs)?
A serious adverse effect of statins characterized by muscle breakdown.
What is rhabdomyolysis?
An adverse effect of thiazide diuretics.
What is hypokalemia?
This HTN medication is contraindicated in pregnancy.
What are ACE inhibitors (or ARBs)?
This lab value is monitored closely in patients taking loop diuretics for HF.
What is potassium?
This dysrhythmia medication requires monitoring of serum drug levels.
What is digoxin?
The antidote for heparin toxicity.
What is protamine sulfate?
Statins reduce cardiovascular risk primarily by lowering this lipid.
What is LDL cholesterol?
The most important nursing assessment before administering IV diuretics.
What is blood pressure?