Antihypertensives
This class of medications ends in “-pril” and works by inhibiting the renin-angiotensin system.
What are ACE inhibitors?
This medication is used for both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias but has many toxic effects.
What is amiodarone?
This loop diuretic is commonly used to decrease preload in heart failure.
What is furosemide (Lasix)?
This oral anticoagulant requires monitoring of INR.
What is warfarin (Coumadin)?
This medication is given for bradycardia to increase heart rate.
What is atropine?
A common side effect of ACE inhibitors that may cause discontinuation of the drug.
What is a dry, persistent cough?
Before giving digoxin, always check this vital sign.
What is the apical pulse (hold if <60 bpm)?
This drug improves cardiac contractility but can cause toxicity leading to visual disturbances.
What is digoxin?
This drug prevents platelet aggregation and is often given after stent placement.
What is clopidogrel (Plavix)?
Used in cardiac arrest to stimulate alpha and beta receptors.
What is epinephrine?
This class of medications blocks calcium entry into vascular smooth muscle, causing vasodilation.
What are calcium channel blockers?
This medication is given IV for supraventricular tachycardia and has a very short half-life.
What is adenosine?
This class of medications reduces mortality in heart failure by blocking aldosterone.
What are aldosterone antagonists (e.g., spironolactone)?
Heparin works by activating this natural anticoagulant in the body.
What is antithrombin III?
Given for chest pain unrelieved by rest; may cause headache and hypotension.
What is nitroglycerin?
Beta blockers should be used cautiously in patients with this chronic lung condition.
What is asthma or COPD?
Why? Bonus 100 points
Lidocaine, when used for arrhythmias, primarily affects this part of the cardiac conduction system.
What are ventricular cells or the ventricles?
Beta blockers improve survival in heart failure by reducing this overactive system.
What is the sympathetic nervous system?
A reversal agent for warfarin toxicity.
What is vitamin K (phytonadione)?
This medication is the first-line treatment for acute pulmonary edema.
What is furosemide (Lasix)?
This antihypertensive is also used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
What is an alpha-1 blocker (e.g., doxazosin)?
This class of antiarrhythmics blocks potassium channels and prolongs repolarization.
What are Class III antiarrhythmics?
This medication combination (a neprilysin inhibitor and an ARB) is used to reduce mortality in HFrEF.
What is sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto)?
This lab value is monitored for patients on IV heparin infusions.
What is aPTT (activated partial thromboplastin time)?
This vasopressor is given for severe hypotension or shock to improve perfusion.
What is norepinephrine (Levophed)?