Antihypertensives
First-line IV medication for many hypertensive emergencies with rapid onset?
Nitroprusside
First-line vasopressor for septic shock?
Norepinephrine
First-line drug for ventricular tachycardia?
Amiodarone
What is the target MAP in most critically ill patients?
≥65 mmHg
Patient in septic shock with MAP 55 after fluids—what do you start?
Norepinephrine
Which antihypertensive is best for patients with cardiac ischemia?
Nitroglycerin
Which vasopressor is also a hormone used for diabetes insipidus?
Vasopressin
Which drug slows AV node conduction and treats SVT?
Adenosine
What must be monitored continuously with vasopressors?
Blood pressure
Patient with chest pain + high BP—best medication?
Nitroglycerin
Calcium channel blocker commonly used as a drip for BP control?
Nicardipine
Which vasopressor is preferred in cardiac arrest?
Epinephrine
What class of drug is amiodarone?
Class III antiarrhythmic
What is a major complication of arterial lines?
Infection or thrombosis
Patient with SVT and stable—first-line medication?
Adenosine
What class of drug is labetalol?
Alpha and beta blocker
Which drug is dose-dependent (renal → cardiac → vasoconstriction)?
Dopamine
Which electrolyte imbalance increases arrhythmia risk?
Low potassium (hypokalemia)
What lab is important when giving nitroprusside long-term?
Lactate (cyanide toxicity)
Patient with hypertensive emergency—how much reduce BP in first hour?
20–25%
What is the main risk of lowering BP too quickly?
Organ ischemia
Which vasopressor is best for aortic dissection due to HR control?
Esmolol
This calcium channel blocker slows AV node conduction to control atrial fibrillation but may worsen heart failure due to negative inotropic effects.
Diltiazem
What ECG change is seen with hyperkalemia?
Peaked T waves
atient with aortic dissection—what medication is priority?
Esmolol