Drug Classes
This drug class lowers LDL by blocking cholesterol production in the liver.
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins)
Rationale: Statins inhibit cholesterol synthesis.
This lab monitors warfarin therapy.
INR
Rationale: Measures extrinsic clotting pathway.
Statins may cause this serious muscle condition.
Rhabdomyolysis
Rationale: Muscle breakdown → kidney damage.
Beta blockers should be used cautiously in:
Asthma
Rationale: Risk of bronchospasm.
Nitroglycerin tablets should be stored:
In original dark glass bottle
Rationale: Protects from light and moisture.
This drug class prevents platelet aggregation and is used after MI or stroke.
Platelet inhibitors
Rationale: Aspirin and clopidogrel prevent clot formation.
This lab monitors heparin therapy.
aPTT
Rationale: Evaluates intrinsic pathway inhibition.
ACE inhibitors commonly cause this persistent symptom.
Dry cough
Rationale: Bradykinin accumulation in lungs.
Statins should be avoided in:
Liver disease
Rationale: Hepatotoxic risk.
Diuretics should be taken:
In the morning
Rationale: Prevent nocturia.
This class treats angina by dilating coronary arteries.
Nitrates
Rationale: Nitroglycerin decreases cardiac oxygen demand.
This assessment must be taken before giving digoxin.
Apical pulse for 1 minute
Rationale: Hold if <60 or >100 bpm.
Nitrates frequently cause:
Headache
Rationale: Vasodilation effect.
ACE inhibitors are contraindicated in:
Pregnancy
Rationale: Causes fetal harm.
Heparin is administered:
Subcutaneously or IV
Rationale: Destroyed by GI tract.
This class slows AV conduction and treats dysrhythmias.
Calcium channel blockers
Rationale: Verapamil/diltiazem slow electrical conduction.
This electrolyte must be monitored with diuretics.
Potassium
Rationale: Risk for hypo/hyperkalemia.
Digoxin toxicity early signs include:
Nausea and visual halos
Rationale: Classic toxicity indicators.
Warfarin is unsafe in:
Pregnancy
Rationale: Teratogenic.
Patients on warfarin should keep vitamin K intake:
Consistent
Rationale: Prevents INR fluctuations.
This medication increases cardiac contractility in heart failure.
Digitalis glycosides (digoxin)
Rationale: Positive inotropic effect improves cardiac output.
This assessment determines safe beta-blocker administration.
Blood pressure and heart rate
Rationale: Hold if SBP <100 or HR <50.
Loop diuretics can cause this electrolyte imbalance.
Hypokalemia
Rationale: Increased potassium excretion.
Potassium-sparing diuretics are dangerous in:
Renal failure
Rationale: Risk of fatal hyperkalemia.
When using nitrates daily, a patient must have:
A nitrate-free period
Rationale: Prevents tolerance.