ACE Inhibitors & ARBs
This suffix identifies ARB medications.
-sartan
This suffix identifies most beta blocker medications.
-olol
These two calcium channel blockers end in "-dipine."
amlodipine and nifedipine
This "loop" diuretic is the most potent and commonly used for heart failure.
Furosemide (Lasix)
This lab value monitors warfarin therapy.
INR
FOR AN EXTRA 100 POINTS, WHAT DOES INR STAND FOR?
This suffix identifies ACE inhibitor medications.
-pril
This vital sign must be checked before administering beta blockers.
Heart rate (or pulse)
This is the primary mechanism of action for calcium channel blockers.
Blocking calcium from entering cells (causing vasodilation)
This electrolyte must be monitored closely with loop diuretics.
Potassium
This vitamin K-rich food can interfere with warfarin effectiveness.
Green leafy vegetables (kale, spinach, broccoli)
Patients should avoid this dietary supplement while on ACE inhibitors due to hyperkalemia risk.
Potassium (or salt substitutes)
Hold the beta blocker if the heart rate is below this number.
60 bpm (or 50 bpm, depending on facility protocol, or prescribing MD).
This grapefruit juice interaction affects the metabolism of calcium channel blockers.
Increased drug levels (or toxicity)
This potassium-sparing diuretic is often combined with loop diuretics.
spironolactone
This is the antidote for warfarin overdose.
Vitamin K (phytonadione)
This is the first-line ACE inhibitor often prescribed for heart failure.
lisinopril (or enalapril)
Beta blockers should be used cautiously in patients with this respiratory condition.
Asthma (or COPD)
This side effect is common with calcium channel blockers, especially amlodipine.
Peripheral edema (or swollen ankles)
Loop diuretics can cause this hearing-related side effect.
Ototoxicity (or hearing loss)
This antiplatelet medication is often called "baby aspirin" for cardiac patients.
Aspirin (81 mg)
FOR AN EXTRA 400 POINTS:
What is the abbreviation for aspirin and what does it stand for?
This annoying side effect occurs in up to 20% of patients on ACE inhibitors.
A dry, persistent cough
This beta blocker is cardioselective and preferred for patients with respiratory disease.
Metoprolol
YOU WILL GET AN EXTRA 500 POINTS IF YOU PRONOUNCE THAT MED CORRECTLY.
This calcium channel blocker slows heart rate and is used for atrial fibrillation.
diltiazem (or verapamil)
Patients on diuretics should be monitored for this position-related side effect.
Orthostatic hypotension
This anticoagulant requires aPTT monitoring.
Heparin
FOR AN EXTRA 500 POINTS:
What does aPTT stand for?
ARBs are often prescribed as an alternative for patients who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors due to this side effect.
Cough
Abruptly stopping beta blockers can cause this dangerous rebound effect.
Rebound hypertension (or tachycardia, or myocardial infarction).
Patients should avoid abruptly discontinuing calcium channel blockers to prevent this.
Rebound hypertension
Thiazide diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide can increase this electrolyte.
Calcium
This is the antidote for heparin overdose.
Protamine sulfate
ACE inhibitors are contraindicated in this trimester of pregnancy.
All trimesters (or any trimester)
Beta blockers reduce heart rate and this other hemodynamic parameter.
Blood pressure (or contractility)
This cardiac glycoside increases contractility and is used for heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
digoxin
This common diuretic side effect can worsen gout.
Hyperuricemia (or increased uric acid)
Patients on warfarin should avoid this OTC pain medication due to bleeding risk.
Aspirin (or NSAIDs)
This electrolyte can become dangerously elevated with ACE inhibitors.
Potassium
This common beta blocker is also used for migraine prophylaxis and anxiety.
Propranolol
PS - pRopRanolol (pro-pra-no-lol)
This electrolyte imbalance increases the risk of digoxin toxicity.
Hypokalemia (low potassium)
Patients should take diuretics at this time of day to avoid nocturia.
In the morning (or early in the day)
This antiplatelet drug is commonly prescribed after stent placement.
clopidogrel (Plavix)