Cardiac Related Medications: Lanoxin (Digoxin), Furosemide (Lasix)
Antihypertensives: Beta-blockers, Calcium-Channel blockers, ACE Inhibitors, Angiotensin II
Receptor Blockers, HCTZ
Anticoagulants: Aspirin, Subcutaneous heparin/Lovenox, Warfarin (Coumadin)*
Antiplatelet: Plavix
WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW: “NURSE”
1. Name // 2. Used for // 3. Responsibilities of nurse // 4. Side effects // 5. Education
1: ACTION OF DRUG
5. PATIENT TEACHING
3 & 5: HOW/WHEN STORED/TAKEN
4: COMMON SDIE EFFECTS
4: ADVERSE/LIFE-THREATENING SIDE EFFECTS
3 & 5: WHAT SHOULD BE MONITORED/RECORDED TO PRESCRIBOR
REVIEW: To better understand how some of these meds work, must understand:
My friend “Angie” = Angiotensin II. The star of the RAAS show!
What does she do? She’s so strict! = A major vasoconstrictor
--She loves shopping at ALDO = Triggers release of Aldosterone which influences kidneys to keep
sodium & water = >BP and > fluids
How did she become the way she is? = RAAS (Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System)
1. BP drops
2. Kidneys release renin
3. Angiotensinogin (Protein created in liver) is triggered to create Angiotensin I
4. Angiotensin I (Angie pre-puberty. Needs ACE to become Angiotensin II)
5. ACE (puberty! Angie can finally become her true self!)
6. Angiotensin II (Our leading role! Star of the show. She is the focus of several heart meds)
ACE INHIBITORS (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor)
-PRIL (Phil the Prick trying to inhibit you from ACEing your exam!)
-----He needs to take a chill pril (Ace inhibitors = chill, slow movements: teach pt importance of
slow to stand, etc)
-Inhibits RAAS by blocking Angie II. By blocking Angie II, < BP, <Na+/H2O, > K+. Promotes
vasodilation and promotes diuresis.
-Used for hypertension because it lowers BP
-Used for HF because it lowers afterload and preload
Responsibilities: monitor BP and pulse carefully! Watch for hypotension
-Watch for hyperkalemia
Side effects: dry, nagging, persistent cough, hypotension, hyperkalemia, dizziness (hence “slow
movement” to avoid orthostatic hypotension
Education: Patient needs to check BP and pulse regularly. Avoid food rich in K+ (i.e. bananas,
avocado, pork, potatoes, spinach, oranges, etc), must talk to HCP before stopping! If stopped
abruptly, could cause rebound hypertension.
BETA BLOCKERS: -LOL! = Dad jokes, he beta stop! BETA BLOCKERS
*Block the adverse effects of the Sympathetic Nervous System:
--- Beta 1 (1 Heart) and Beta 2 (2 lung)
-2 LLs… = LOW HR & LOW BP
Used for: hypertension
