Drug Classes
This class works by inhibiting the conversion of angiotension I to angiotension II
ACE inhibitors ("-pril")
ACE inhibitors prevent the conversion of this hormone
Angiotensin I to angiotensin II (vasoconstrictor) = vasodilation
Beta-blockers should be cautiously used in patients with this respiratory condition
asthma d/t bronchoconstriction
Before giving a beta blocker, the nurse should always check this.
HR + BP
Patient's BP 89/55 and HR 64 before administering metoprolol. What should the nurse do?
Hold the medication.
Beta blockers (-"lols")
Beta blockers decrease blood pressure by decreasing this vital sign.
HR
What electrolyte imbalance does furosemide cause? Bonus: what time of diuretic is it
hypokalemia. Loop.
Patients on ACE inhibitors should be monitored for this life-threatening side effect. Bonus: what is the patho behind it
Angioedema - d/t higher levels of the protein bradykinin. Bradykinin is a part of the inflammatory processes, which cause swelling.
A patient on Lasix complains of muscle weakness and leg cramps. What lab value should the nurse check?
K+
How do CCBs affect the blood vessels and heart to decrease BP?
They inhibit the influx of calcium ions into cells, leading to relaxation of smooth muscle in blood vessels and decreased cardiac contractility.
CCBs prevent calcium from entering htese cells.
Smoooth muscle cells and cardiac cells
A persistent dry cough is a common SE of this drug class
ACE inhibitors
Why is it so important to monitor K+ levels in a patient taking diuretics?
K+ imbalances can cause cardiac arrhythmias
Examples of antihypertensives you anticipate would be ordered for a patient with HTN + cardiac history, such as atrial fibrillation, tachycardia, hx of MI
beta blocks: atenolol, metoprolol, bisoprolol
What are the 3 types of diuretics?
loop, thiazide, K+-sparing
Diuretics lower BP primarily by reducing this.
blood volume
Sudden discontinuation of clonidine can cause this severe condition.
rebound hypertension
When administering the first dose of an antihypertensive, what condition should you be cautious of
orthostatic hypotension
diuretics and daily weights.
What is the therapeutic effect of ARBs?
vasodilation
ARBs work by blocking receptors where
blood vessels and kidneys
Hyperkalemia is a concern with this class of diuretics. Bonus: name an example
K+-sparing diuretics. Ex: Spironolactone
First-line antihypertensive drugs for patients with diabetes. Bonus: why
ACE inhibitors + ARBs because they protect kidney function
A patient's BP is 200/110 and all scheduled antihypertensives have been given. What PO PRN med would you anticipate getting an order for?
hydralazine or captopril