Drug Class
This class of antihypertensive drugs often causes a dry cough and hyperkalemia.
ACE Inhibitors
This complication of ACE inhibitors involves swelling of the lips, tongue, and airway.
Angioedema
Before administering digoxin, the nurse should assess this vital sign.
Apical pulse or HR/Pulse
Patients taking ACE inhibitors should avoid these because they can increase potassium levels.
Salt substitutes
A patient taking lisinopril develops a persistent cough. The provider switches the patient to losartan. Why?
ARBs do not cause the cough associated with ACE inhibitors
This antihypertensive class ends in “-olol” and can cause bradycardia and hypotension.
Beta Blockers
Patients taking statins must report this symptom because it may indicate rhabdomyolysis.
Muscle pain, weakness, tea colored urine
Patients taking ACE inhibitors should have this electrolyte monitored.
Potassium
Patients taking warfarin should maintain consistent intake of this nutrient.
Vitamin K
A patient taking digoxin has potassium of 2.9 mEq/L.(3.5 to 5.0) Why is this dangerous?
Hypokalemia increases risk of digoxin toxicity
This medication class is known for first-dose hypotension, so the first dose is taken at bedtime.
Alpha-adrenergic blockers (prazosin)
This visual disturbance is a classic sign of digoxin toxicity.
Yellow-green- or white halos around objects
Patients on warfarin therapy require routine monitoring of this lab value.
INR
Patients taking statins should take the medication at this time of day.
Night / evening
A patient taking warfarin reports black tarry stools and dizziness. What complication should the nurse suspect?
GI bleeding
This cardiac medication increases force of contraction but slows heart rate.
Digoxin
This is the most common side effect of nitroglycerin therapy.
Headache
Before giving beta blockers, the nurse should monitor these two vital signs.
Heart rate and blood pressure
Patients taking nitroglycerin should do this if they feel dizzy after taking a dose.
Sit or lie down
A patient taking metoprolol presents with HR 48 bpm and dizziness. What should the nurse do?
Hold the medication and notify the provider
These medications work by blocking specific channels in vascular smooth muscle, causing vasodilation.
Calcium Channel blockers
Stopping beta blockers or clonidine suddenly can cause this dangerous complication.
Rebound hypertension
Patients using beta-blocker eye drops should apply pressure here for 30–60 seconds to reduce systemic effects.
Nasolacrimal duct
Patients taking beta blockers should never do this without consulting their provider.
Stop the medication abruptly
A patient taking atorvastatin reports severe muscle pain and dark urine. What serious condition should the nurse suspect?
Rhabdomyolysis