Drugs Affecting Blood Pressure
This class of drugs ends in “-pril” and works by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to II.
What are ACE inhibitors?
This cardiac glycoside increases contractility and slows heart rate.
What is digoxin?
What major organ toxicities should be monitored with amiodarone therapy?
Liver, thyroid, and pulmonary toxicity
Combining beta blockers with calcium channel blockers may cause this dangerous effect.
Severe bradycardia or heart block
Patients taking ACE inhibitors should be instructed to report which symptom immediately?
Swelling of the face or tongue (angioedema)
What electrolyte imbalance can occur with ACE inhibitors or ARBs?
What is hyperkalemia?
Which IV medication is used short-term for severe heart failure and increases myocardial contractility?
Milrinone
This antiarrhythmic drug has a very short half-life and is given as a rapid IV push to “reset” the heart rhythm.
Adenosine
What serious adverse effect is linked to ACE inhibitors and ARBs in pregnancy?
Fetal injury or death
Why should patients rise slowly when taking antihypertensives?
To prevent orthostatic hypotension
Name one nursing consideration before giving a beta blocker like metoprolol.
Check HR and BP; hold if HR < 60 bpm or SBP < 100.
What symptom indicates digoxin toxicity and requires immediate action?
Visual disturbances (yellow halos), bradycardia, nausea/vomiting
Lidocaine is used for which type of arrhythmia?
Ventricular arrhythmias
Which common over-the-counter drug can decrease the effectiveness of antihypertensives?
NSAIDS
What color vision change may indicate digoxin toxicity?
Yellow or green halos around lights
Which antihypertensive drug class can cause a persistent dry cough?
ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril)
Which combination drug (ARNI) is used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in chronic heart failure?
Sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto)
What drug interaction increases the risk of digoxin toxicity?
Concurrent use of verapamil, amiodarone, or quinidine
Patients on beta blockers should be taught to check which vital sign at home?
Heart rate
Which calcium channel blocker is contraindicated in patients with heart block or bradycardia?
Verapamil or diltiazem
What is the mechanism of action of digoxin?
Increases myocardial contractility and decreases heart rate by slowing AV node conduction.