Vasopressors
Vasopressors stimulate this receptor in the blood vessels.
Alpha receptors
Name the main complication of vasodilators.
Hypotension
Heart failure patients cannot stay in this position for very long.
Supine
This is the first setting adjusted if the patient is hypoxic.
FIO2
This vasopressor is often added on as an adjunct when Levophed rates are getting high. It is synthetic ADH.
Vasopressin
Name a vasodilator that only works on the veins, not arteries in the body.
Nitroglycerin
Name three symptoms of left-sided heart failure.
Dyspnea, crackles, pink frothy sputum/pulmonary edema, central cyanosis, hypoxia, orthopnea
This setting is adjusted if there is an imbalance in the pCO2 on the ABG. (2 possible answers)
RR or Tidal volume
Epinephrine is the main drug used in code blues because it stimulates all three types of adrenergic receptors in the body. Name all three adrenergic receptors.
Alpha, Beta 1, Beta 2
What electrolyte channel does Nicardipine (Cardene) block in the body?
Calcium; calcium channel blocker
Name three symptoms of right-sided heart failure.
This setting improves oxygenation by preventing alveolar collapse.
PEEP
Name two complications of vasopressors.
Hypertension, tachycardia, arrythmias, peripheral necrosis.
This vasodilator is known as an "ino-dilator" due to its positive inotrope and vasodilator properties.
Milrinone
What is a common arrythmia seen in right-sided heart failure patients?
A-fib due to stretching of the right atria, which irritates the cells of the SA node.
This mode of ventilation is best used as a weaning mode.
CPAP/PS
This vasopressor is not used very often due to its high risk of causing tachyarrythmias.
Dopamine
Patients can only be on Nitroprusside for a short period of time due to potential for developing this toxicity.
Cyanide
The left ventricle has a weakened force of contraction (systolic failure), or cannot fill effectively (diastolic failure) which leads to blood backing up into the left atrium and pulmonary circulation. This leads to increased pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary hypertension, which causes right heart strain. Eventually, this will lead to right-sided heart failure as the right ventricle cannot pump against the increased pressure in the lungs.
This mode of ventilation is great for ARDS patients as it increases the mean airway pressure of the lungs and maximizes the time the lungs are open.
Pressure Control.