Vasodilators

Question 1

Medications

Answer 1

• Hydralazine
• Nitroprusside
• Minoxidil

Question 2

Action

Answer 2

• Acts directly on vascular smooth muscle to cause muscle relaxation, which leads to vasodilation and decrease in BP
• Also decreases peripheral vascular resistance which increases CO

Question 3

Indications

Answer 3

• Severe HTN
• Malignant HTN
• Hypertensive emergencies

Question 4

Contraindications

Answer 4

-Allergy

Question 5

Cautions

Answer 5

-Conditions exacerbated by decreased BP: peripheral vascular disease, CAD, CHF, cerebral insufficiency, tachycardia

Question 6

Adverse effects

Answer 6

• Related to changes in BP
• GI upset
• Cyanide toxicity with nitroprusside: pink/cherry red skin, headache, dizziness, tachycardia

Question 7

Assessment

Answer 7

• History: Allergy, CV dysfunction
• Physical: skin, cardiac, respiratory, abdominal, VS, ECG, weight
• Labs: Renal and hepatic fx

Question 8

Nursing diagnoses

Answer 8

• Ineffective tissue perfusion
• Impaired skin integrity
• Acute pain
• Deficient knowledge

Question 9

Implementation

Answer 9

• Encourage lifestyle changes
• Monitor BP closely
• Monitor pt carefully in situation that might lead to a drop in fluid volume
• Comfort measures
• Provide pt teaching

Question 10

Evaluation

Answer 10

• Evaluate response to drug
• Evaluate effectiveness of teaching plan
• Evaluate effectiveness of comfort and safety measures
• Evaluate compliance with the regimen