Cardiovascular Medications

Question 1

What is the MOA of Statins?

Answer 1

Inhibits one of the liver enzymes required to synthesize cholesterol

Question 2

List 2 Examples of Statins

Answer 2

1. Atorvastatin
2. Simvastatin

Question 3

What is the Schedule, Classification and Nursing Considerations of Atorvastatin?

Answer 3

Schedule: 4
Classification: Hypolipidemic Agent
NC: Monitor liver function, lipid levels to be reviewed every 6-12 months and may increase plasma concentration of Digoxin

Question 4

What is the Schedule, Classification and Nursing Considerations of Simvastatin?

Answer 4

Schedule: 4
Classification: Hypolipidemic Agent
NC: Monitor liver function, lipid levels to be reviewed every 6-12 months and use caution when taking Warfarin and Digoxin

Question 5

A, A, B, C, D are classes of Hypertension Medications. List them.

Answer 5

ACE Inhibitors
Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists
Beta Blockers
Calcium Channel Blockers
Diuretics

Question 6

List 2 Examples of ACE Inhibitors.

Answer 6

1. Perindopril
2. Captopril

Question 7

List 3 Common Adverse Effects of ACE Inhibitors.

Answer 7

1. Hypotension
2. Headache
3. Hyperkalaemia

Question 8

What is the MOA of ACE Inhibitors?

Answer 8

Inhibits the conversion of angiotensin I into angiotensin II, allowing vasodilation

Question 9

What is the Schedule, Classification and Nursing Considerations of Perindopril?

Answer 9

Schedule: 4
Classification: Anti-Hypertensive Agent
NC: risk of hypotension, may produce persistent cough

Question 10

List 2 Examples of Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists.

Answer 10

1. Irbesartan
2. Losartan

Question 11

What is the MOA of Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists?

Answer 11

Inhibits angiotensin II receptors so that smooth muscles in the vasculature do not constrict

Question 12

What is the Schedule, Classification and Nursing Considerations of Irbesartan?

Answer 12

Schedule: 4
Classification: Anti-Hypertensive Agent
NC: maximum effect in 4-6 weeks, monitor BP before and after

Question 13

List 2 Examples of Beta-Blockers.

Answer 13

1. Atenolol
2. Metoprolol

Question 14

What is the MOA of Beta-Blockers?

Answer 14

Inhibiting beta receptors on heart muscles and reduce the affects of adrenaline

Question 15

List 3 Adverse Effects of Beta-Blockers.

Answer 15

1. Insomnia
2. Vivid Dreams
3. Bronchoconstriction

Question 16

What is the Schedule, Classification and Nursing Considerations of Metoprolol?

Answer 16

Schedule: 4
Classification: Anti-Hypertensive Agent
NC: monitor BP before and after, monitor for hypotension and bradycardia

Question 17

List 2 Examples of Calcium Channel Blockers.

Answer 17

1. Nifedipine
2. Verapamil

Question 18

What is the MOA of Calcium Channel Blockers?

Answer 18

Decreases availability of Ca within the heart - relaxing smooth muscle

Question 19

What is the Schedule, Classification and Nursing Considerations of Verapamil?

Answer 19

Schedule: 4
Classification: Anti-Hypertensive Agent
NC: monitor BP before and after, monitor for hypotension and bradycardia, and avoid grapefruit

Question 20

List the 3 Types of Diuretics.

Answer 20

1. Thiazide
2. Loop
3. Potassium-Sparing

Question 21

What is the MOA and Nursing Considerations of Diuretics?

Answer 21

Reduces blood volume and inhibits the reabsorption of Na, Cl and K+ ions.
Monitor BP before and after, monitor fluid balance and kidney functions, and take K+ supplements

Question 22

List 2 Examples of Peripheral Vasodilators, and which is most optimal and why?

Answer 22

1. Glyceryl Nitrate (GTN)
2. Isosorbide Dinitrate

GTN is most optimal, as it is administered sublingually - avoiding the first pass effect

Question 23

What is the MOA and Nursing Considerations of Peripheral Vasodilators?

Answer 23

MOA: reduces workload on the heart via vasodilation
NC: monitor for excessive vasodilation (headache, hypotension)

Question 24

List 1 Example of Cardiac Glycosides.

Answer 24

1. Digoxin

Question 25

What is the MOA, Indication and Nursing Considerations of Cardiac Glycosides?

Answer 25

MOA: increases the force of myocardial contraction and restore normal heart rhythm Indication: atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter and heart failure NC: monitor HR before administration - w/h if <60 beats/min, monitor digoxin levels - therapeutic dose is close to toxic concentration

Question 26

How can Verapamil assist with Cardiac Arrhythmias?

Answer 26

Inhibits atrio-ventricular conduction

Question 27

What is another Anti-Arrhythmic, its MOA and Nursing Considerations?

Answer 27

Amiodarone MOA: prolongs action potential NC: monitor adverse effects, drug interactions and toxicity

Question 28

List 3 Examples of Adrenergic Agonists.

Answer 28

1. Adrenaline 2. Dopamine 3. Dobutamine

Question 29

What is the MOA and Nursing Considerations of Adrenergic Agonists?

Answer 29

MOA: increase force of contraction NC: given IV, monitor cardiac response

Question 30

What is the Schedule, Classification, MOA and Nursing Considerations of Heparin?

Answer 30

Schedule: 4 Classification: Anti-Coagulant MOA: increases function of natural coagulation inhibitor (Antithrombin III) NC: SC or IV only, monitor via APTT blood tests, antidote = protamine

Question 31

What is the Schedule, Classification, MOA and Nursing Considerations of Enoxaparin?

Answer 31

Schedule: 4 Classification: Anti-Coagulant MOA: increases function of natural coagulation inhibitor (Antithrombin III) NC: SC only - rotate injection sites, do not expel air bubble in syringe, do not rub injection site

Question 32

What is the Schedule, Classification, MOA and Nursing Considerations of Warfarin?

Answer 32

Schedule: 4 Classification: Anti-Coagulant MOA: inhibits the enzyme needed to convert Vit K to an active form -> reducing clotting NC: - considered high risk - avoid leafy greens - monitor via INR monitor for toxicity, antidote = Vit K

Question 33

What is the Schedule, Classification, MOA and Nursing Considerations of Aspirin?

Answer 33

Schedule: unscheduled or S2 Classification: Anti-Platelet Agent MOA: inhibits unwanted thrombus formation by decreasing platelet aggregation (COX-2 selective inhibitor) NC: may cause gastric irritation, must cease 7 days before surgery, monitor via blood test