The Beating Heart
This is the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts.
What is systolic blood pressure?
These diuretics are often first-line treatment for hypertension.
What are thiazide diuretics?
The process by which the body stops bleeding.
What is hemostasis?
These “-statin” drugs inhibit HMG-CoA reductase to lower cholesterol.
What are statins?
The process of maintaining equal fluid distribution between intracellular and extracellular compartments.
What is fluid balance?
This phase of blood pressure occurs when the heart relaxes.
What is diastolic pressure?
This drug blocks beta receptors to decrease heart rate and BP.
What are beta-blockers?
This enzyme converts fibrinogen to fibrin.
What is thrombin?
This B-vitamin lowers LDL and triglycerides but causes flushing.
What is niacin?
Name one isotonic IV solution.
What is 0.9% normal saline or lactated Ringer’s?
Name two factors that influence blood pressure.
What are cardiac output and vascular resistance?
This cardiac glycoside increases contractility and slows heart rate.
What is digoxin?
This anticoagulant binds to antithrombin and inactivates thrombin and factor Xa.
What is heparin?
HDL is known as “good cholesterol” because it performs this action.
What is reverse cholesterol transport?
This diuretic blocks sodium reabsorption in the ascending loop of Henle.
What is a loop diuretic (furosemide/Lasix)?
These drugs block calcium entry into smooth muscle, relaxing blood vessels.
What are calcium channel blockers?
This antiarrhythmic drug prolongs repolarization and is used for ventricular arrhythmias.
What is amiodarone?
This drug directly blocks factor Xa and does not require INR monitoring.
What is rivaroxaban (Xarelto)?
High levels of this lipoprotein increase the risk for atherosclerosis.
What is LDL (low-density lipoprotein)?
This electrolyte is the major intracellular cation.
What is potassium (K⁺)?
This system involves renin, angiotensin, and aldosterone and helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance.
What is the RAAS (Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System)?
This medication converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II and causes cough as a side effect.
What are ACE inhibitors?
This thrombolytic activates plasminogen to break down clots.
What is alteplase (tPA)?
These essential fats from fish oil help lower triglycerides and reduce inflammation.
What are omega-3 fatty acids?
Nursing priority when giving loop or thiazide diuretics.
What is monitor potassium levels and urine output?