Blood Pressure Medications
This class of drugs ends in “-pril” and blocks the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II.
What are ACE inhibitors?
This “-statin” drug blocks HMG-CoA reductase to lower LDL cholesterol.
Answer: What is atorvastatin?
This salicylate drug blocks prostaglandins, is anti-inflammatory, and can affect platelet function.
What is aspirin?
(Teach patients about bleeding risk, GI irritation, and avoiding use in children with viral infections.)
Fat-soluble vitamin necessary for vision and cell growth; excessive intake can be toxic.
What is vitamin A?
(Patients should understand dietary sources, toxicity signs, and importance for vision and skin health)
This IV complication involves a vesicant drug and causes pain, burning, and tissue damage.
What is extravasation?
(Understanding this ensures prompt discontinuation, antidote administration, and prevention of necrosis)
These drugs selectively block angiotensin II from binding to its receptors and end in “-sartan.”
What are ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers)?
This vitamin B3 derivative decreases triglycerides and inhibits release of free fatty acids from adipose tissue.
What is niacin?
Works in the CNS to reduce pain and fever but does not have anti-inflammatory properties.
What is acetaminophen?
(Patients should be educated on maximum daily dose, risk of hepatotoxicity, and avoiding combination with alcohol)
Water-soluble vitamin that activates folic acid and is essential for DNA synthesis.
What is vitamin B12?
(Teaching helps prevent anemia, neuropathy, and support proper growth and development.
This herb is used for depression but has significant drug interactions.
What is St. John’s Wort?
(serotonin syndrome w/ SSRIs, decreased anticoagulant effect w/ warfarin, increased sedation w/ opioids, decreased effectiveness of immunosuppressants)
A common adverse effect of ACE inhibitors that may cause persistent throat irritation.
What is a nonproductive dry cough?
Nurses instruct patients on these lifestyle factors to maximize the effect of statins and prevent toxicity.
What are avoiding alcohol and grapefruit juice?
(Both increase the risk of hepatotoxicity and interfere with metabolism)
When administering opioids, the nurse monitors for this life-threatening adverse effect.
What is respiratory depression?
For patients on parenteral iron therapy, the nurse must monitor for these gastrointestinal effects.
What are nausea, constipation, and dark green stools?
The nurse must warn patients taking garlic supplements to watch for this complication if they are on anticoagulants.
What is increased risk of bleeding?
When giving calcium channel blockers, the nurse must monitor these vital signs closely due to decreased cardiac workload.
What are blood pressure and heart rate?
When administering fibrates, the nurse monitors this lab due to risk of muscle breakdown.
What is creatine kinase (CK) for rhabdomyolysis?
For a patient experiencing an opioid overdose, the nurse must administer this drug.
What is naloxone?
Excess intake of this mineral can cause serious respiratory and cardiac suppression.
What is magnesium?
(Nurses teach safe dosing, antidote availability (calcium gluconate), and signs of toxicity)
Redness, throbbing pain, and a palpable cord along a vein indicates this IV complication.
What is phlebitis?
(Learn IV site selection to reduce complications such as infiltration or phlebitis)
During a hypertensive crisis, this vasodilator requires monitoring for cyanide toxicity.
What is nitroprusside?
Cholesterol absorption inhibitors like ezetimibe are often combined with this class for better lipid control.
What are statins?
A mixed agonist-antagonist opioid has this advantage compared to pure opioid agonists.
What is lower risk of dependence and fewer adverse effects?
When giving vitamin K IV, the nurse must monitor for these life-threatening reactions.
What are shock and cardiac arrest?
This herb may cause serious liver injury despite promoting sleep and reducing anxiety.
What is kava?