Beta-Blockers primarily block which of the following?
Beta I and/or Beta II receptors
Beta-Blockers end in -LOL and block the effects of epinephrine/norepinephrine at the adrenergic receptor sites, decreasing heart rate and blood pressure.
Which side effect is a common reason patients discontinue ACE Inhibitors?
Persistent, dry cough
The dry, irritating cough is a very common side effect of ACE Inhibitors (ending in -PRIL), caused by the accumulation of bradykinin.
A patient receiving a Calcium Channel Blocker reports ankle swelling due to:
Systemic vasodilation
CCBs, especially the dihydropyridine class, cause systemic vasodilation to decrease BP, which often leads to peripheral edema.
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) work by blocking the effects of Angiotensin II at __________.
receptor sites
ARBs (ending in -SARTAN) prevent vasoconstriction and aldosterone-producing effects.
The most important electrolyte to monitor in a patient taking both an ACE Inhibitor and a Potassium-Sparing Diuretic is:
Potassium
ACE Inhibitors cause potassium retention, and combined with a Potassium-Sparing Diuretic, the patient is at high risk for hyperkalemia.
The therapeutic effect of Digoxin that should be emphasized is:
Increased force of myocardial contraction
Cardiac glycosides like Digoxin have a positive inotropic effect.
Which condition makes a patient most susceptible to developing digitalis toxicity?
Hypokalemia
Low potassium levels (K^+) increase susceptibility to digitalis toxicity, even if Digoxin levels are therapeutic.
A patient taking a statin should report which symptom immediately?
Unexplained muscle pain or weakness
Statins can cause rhabdomyolysis, which must be reported immediately.
The antidote for Dabigatran (Pradaxa) in case of life-threatening bleeding is:
Idarucizumab (Praxbind)
Idarucizumab is the specific antidote for Dabigatran, a direct inhibitor of free thrombin.
Apixaban and Rivaroxaban are direct inhibitors of __________.
Activated factor X (factor Xa)
They are direct, highly selective, orally active inhibitors.
Which instruction is most important for a patient prescribed a Dihydropyridine CCB?
Change positions slowly
CCBs cause vasodilation and decreased blood pressure, putting the patient at risk for orthostatic hypotension.
The primary goal of prescribing a Beta-Blocker for a patient with angina pectoris is:
Decreasing BP and heart rate to reduce oxygen demand
Beta-Blockers decrease the heart’s workload, which decreases myocardial oxygen demand.
Which statement about Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) is correct?
It is licensed for treatment of DVT and PE
Rivaroxaban is additionally licensed for treatment of deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
A serious, but rare, side effect of Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is:
Hepatotoxicity
Exceeding the maximum dose can lead to severe and sometimes irreversible liver damage.
A non-dihydropyridine CCB primarily works to decrease __________.
SA and AV conduction
Non-dihydropyridine CCBs have significant SA and AV node depressant effects.
Which instruction is essential for a patient who uses a Steroid Inhaler?
Rinse the mouth thoroughly after use
This is essential to prevent oral candidiasis (thrush).
Albuterol, a Beta 2 Adrenergic agonist, causes which effect?
Bronchodilation
Albuterol stimulates beta-2 receptors in the bronchi, causing relaxation of the smooth muscle.
The nurse should assess for which serious side effect when a patient is taking Theophylline?
Dysrhythmias
Theophylline has a narrow therapeutic range, and serious side effects include dysrhythmias and convulsions.
A common side effect of Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is:
Drowsiness and anticholinergic effects
Diphenhydramine is known for causing significant sedation and anticholinergic effects.
The best ‘natural expectorant’ is __________.
Hydration (increased fluid intake)
Hydration is highlighted as the best natural expectorant for loosening bronchial secretions.
Which instruction is most important for a patient using a Nasal Decongestant Spray for several days?
Do not use for more than 3-5 days to prevent rebound congestion
Frequent use can cause rebound nasal congestion, often in as little as 3 days.
Ipratropium works by binding to cholinergic receptors to cause __________.
bronchodilation
Ipratropium is an anticholinergic that causes bronchodilation.
The mechanism of action for Montelukast (Singulair) is as a __________.
Leukotriene receptor antagonist
Montelukast blocks the action of leukotrienes, which cause inflammatory changes.
Common side effects to monitor for in a patient taking Dexamethasone include:
Glucocorticoids cause metabolic changes including hyperglycemia, muscle wasting, and thinning of the skin.