Adult Health Nursing IIBlock 7.0
Topic: Cardiovascular PharmacologyModule: 2.1
Cardiovascular
Pharmacology
Block 7.0 Module 2.1A Good Resource:http://www.cvpharmacology.com/index.html
Concept Map: Selected Topics in Cardiovascular Nursing
PATHOPHYSIOLOGYMyocardial InfarctionAcute Coronary SyndromeValvular Heart DiseasePacemakersCABGAbdominal Aortic AneurysmPericarditisPeripheral Vasc Disease (PVD)Fem-Pop Bypass GraftShock / Fluid DeficitRaynaud’s PhenomenonArrhythmias / Dysrhythmias
PHARMACOLOGYCardiac GlycosidesACE InhibitorsBeta BlockersAntiarrhythmicsCatecholaminesAnticoagulants
ASSESSMENTPhysical Assessment Inspection Palpation Percussion AuscultationCardiac MonitoringLab Monitoring
Care PlanningPlan for client adl’s, Monitoring, med admin.,Patient education, more…
Nursing Interventions & EvaluationExecute the care plan, evaluate for Efficacy, revise as necessary
Block 7.0 Module 2.1
Cardiovascular Pharmacology
ACEInhibitors
AlphaBlockers
Anti-Anginals
Anti-Arrhythmics
Anti-Hypertensives
Anti-Lipemics
Beta Blockers
Calcium Channel Blockers
Digitalis Glycosides
Loop Diuretics Platelet Aggregation
Inhibitors
Potassium – Sparing /
Combination Diuretics
Thiazide / Related
Diuretics
Block 7.0 Module 2.1
• -pril------------------------------- ACE Inhibitor
• -lol or –olol ------------------Beta Blocker• -pine --------------------- Ca Channel Blocker• -statin --------------- anti-lipemic• -nitr ------------- nitrates• -zosin --------------- alpha blockers
-pril-zosin
-nitr
-statin -lol
-olol
-pine
Block 7.0 Module 2.1
• Alpha Blockers• Beta Blockers• Ca Channel Blockers• ACE Inhibitors• Anti-Lipemic• Nitrates
• -olol• -pril• -pine• -statin• -nitr-• -zosin• -lol
atenolol (Tenormin ®)carvedilol (Coreg ®)metoprolol (Toprol XL ®, LoPressor ®)propranolol HCl (Inderal ®)
doxazosin mesylate (Cardura®)prazosin HCl (Minipress®)
amlodipine besylate (Norvasc ®)diltiazem HCl (Cardizem ®, Dilacor ®)nifedipine (Adalat ®, Procardia XL ®)Verapamil HCl (Calan ®, Isoptim ®, Covera ®)
benazepril HCl (Lotensin ®)captopril (Capoten®)enalapril maleate (Vasotec®)lisinopril (Prinivil ®, Zestril®)
• atorvastatin calcium (Lipitor ®)• lovastatin ( Mevacor ®)• pravastatin (Pravachol ®) • rosuvastatin calcium (Crestor ®)• simvastatin (Zocor ®)
• isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil ®)• isosorbide mononitrate (Ismo®)• Nitroglycerin
Block 7.0 Module 2.1
ACE Inhibitors
• benazepril HCl (Lotensin ®)• captopril (Capoten®)• enalapril maleate (Vasotec®)• lisinopril (Prinivil ®, Zestril®)
-prilhypertension
CHF
Left VentricularDysfunction AfterMI
Diabetic Neuropathy
ACUTE M.I.
“The Multi-Purpose Group !”Block 7.0 Module 2.1
Prototype: captopril
• ACE Inhibitors produce desired effect by blocking production of angiotensin II, resulting in arteriolar vasodilation, excretion of sodium and retention of potassium
• Indications: Heart failure, HTN, MI (reduce mortality, reduce heart failure), diabetic & non-diabetic nephropathy.
• Nursing Implications: orthostatic hypotension, cough, potential hyperkalemia
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The –pril’s: ACE Inhibitors
• Treatment of Hypertension• captopril, enalapril, lisinopril—tx of HTN, CHF,
decreased L ventricular function after MI• Always check BP before administering—hold
PRN (parameters)• Teach patient to change positions slowly to
avoid postural hypotension• “cough” C.O. = HR x SV
BP = C.O. x PVRBlock 7.0 Module 2.1
Alpha Blockers
• doxazosin mesylate (Cardura®)• prazosin HCl (Minipress®)
-zosin
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Prototype: prazosin
• Alpha blockers cause venous and arterial dilation, smooth muscle relaxation of prostate
• Indications: HTN • Nursing Implications: monitor BP closely after
initial dose; orthostatic hypotension
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The –zosin’s: Alpha Blockers sympatholytic
Uses: • Treatment of HTN• BPH (doxazosin (Cardura®)
Nursing Implications• Teach patient to avoid
changing positions rapidly (postural hypotension)
• Check blood pressure prior to administration; hold med PRN (Parameters)
C.O. = HR x SV
BP = C.O. x PVR
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Anti-Anginals
• isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil ®)• isosorbide mononitrate (Ismo®)• Nitroglycerin • Nitro-dur®, • Transderm Nitro ®• Nitrol ®• Nitrostat ®• Nitrotab ®
-nitr-
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Prototype: nitroglycerin
• Vasodilation of coronary artries increases myocardial oxygen supply; decreases myocardial oxygen demand via vasodilation and reduction of preload
• Indications: angina treatment and/or prophylaxis;
• Nursing Implications: hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, cough, potential hyperkalemia
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The –”NITR’s” Anti-Anginals(effect: vasodilation)
• nitroglycerin sl, nitropaste, nitroderm• Chest pain regimen: 1 tab NTG sl, q5 min X 3
• Isosorbide dinatrate (Isordil®) • Treatment / Prophylaxis of angina, CHF
C.O. = HR x SV
BP = C.O. x PVR
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Anti-Arrhythmics( Anti-Dysrhythmics )
• amiodarone HCl (Cordarone ®, Pacerone® )• lidocaine HCl (Xylocaine ®)• procainamide (Procanbid ®, Pronestyl ®)• quinidine (Quinaglute ®)
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Prototype: lidocaine
• Class Ib antiarrhythmic; decreases electrical conduction, decreases automaticity, increases rate of repolarization
• Indications: short-term use for ventricular dysrhythmias; monitor respirations—respiratory arrest. Cardiac monitor—vital signs
• Nursing Implications: CNS effects—drowsiness, altered mental status, paresthesias, seizures
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A “Slight” Side-Effect of IV Amiodarone !
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• Lidocaine HCl—the old reliable; used for PVC’s, ventricular ectopy, ventricular tachycardia
• Amiodarone –Management of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias unresponsive to less toxic meds; assess for pulmonary toxicity
• Both of these: Infusion pumps, monitor v.s. frequently, cardiac monitorBlock 7.0 Module 2.1
Anti-Hypertensives
• clonidine (Catapres ®, Catapres Patch ®, Catapres TTS ®)
• hydralazine HCl (Apresoline ®)• hydroclorothiazide / lisinopril (Prinzide ®,
Zestoretic ®)• minoxidil (Loniten ®)
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Prototype: clonidine
• Sympatholytic—decreases HR causes decrease in C.O., peripheral vasodilation—decreases BP
• Indications: HTN, severe cancer pain • Nursing Implications: hypotension, orthostatic
hypotension, administer twice daily in divided dose
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• Hydralazine—tx of essential hypertension• HCTZ/Lisinopril—combination drug –essential
hypertension• Always check BP prior to administration—hold
PRN (Parameters)• Postural hypotension precautions
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Anti-Lipemics
• atorvastatin calcium (Lipitor ®)• colestipol (Colestid ®)• gemfibrozol (Lopid ®)• lovastatin ( Mevacor ®)• Niacin ( Niacor ®, Niaspan ®)• nicotinic acid (Slo-Niacin ®, Vitamin B)• pravastatin (Pravachol ®) • rosuvastatin calcium (Crestor ®)• simvastatin (Zocor ®)
-statin
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Prototype: atorvastatin
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Beta Blockers
• atenolol (Tenormin ®)• carvedilol (Coreg ®)• metoprolol (Toprol XL ®, LoPressor ®)• propranolol HCl (Inderal ®)
-lol-olol
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Prototype: metoprolol
• Remember that there are cardioselective and non-selective Beta blockers; Beta1 adrenergic blockage to reduce heart (- chronotrope) rate, decrease myocardial contractility (-inotrope), decrease rate of conduction through the AV node
• Indications: angina, HTN, dysrhythmias, MI, Heart failure,
• Nursing Implications: Apical pulse; monitor VS; • Contraindicated in AV Block, SB. Block 7.0 Module 2.1
• Used for tx of HTN, MI, angina prophylaxis, CHF
• Cardioselective vs nonselective B-Blockers and Respiratory
• Nursing: Apical Pulse
C.O. = HR x SV
BP = C.O. x PVR
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Calcium Channel Blockers
• amlodipine besylate (Norvasc ®)• diltiazem HCl (Cardizem ®, Dilacor ®,
Tiamate ®, Cardizem SR ®, Cardizem CD ® )• nifedipine (Adalat ®, Procardia XL ®)• Verapamil HCl (Calan ®, Isoptim ®, Covera ®)
-pine
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Prototype: nifedipine • Vasodilation of peripheral arterioles; clocking
of CA+ channels in heart causes decreased force of contraction, decreased heart rate, decreased pulse. (-inotrope, -chronotrope)
• Indications: HTN, angina, selected dysrhythmias
• Nursing Implications: hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, cardiac monitor, monitor pulse rate
• Contraindications: AV blocks, hypotension, bradycardia, aortic stenosis, severe heart failureBlock 7.0 Module 2.1
• Treatment of HTN, vasospastic angina, angina prophylaxis, Atrial Fibrillation (sometimes) , rapid atrial dysrhythmias
• Nursing: Check BP, hold PRN (Parameters) • Postural Hypotension Precautions C.O. = HR x SV
BP = C.O. x PVR
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Digitalis Glycosides• digoxin (Lanoxin ®)
• (+) Inotrope, (-) Chronotrope• CHF, Atrial Tachy-arrhythmias (A-Fib, A-
Flutter), Cardiogenic Shock• Assess Apical Pulse• Dig Toxicity—anorexia, fatigue, weakness, yellow-green halo’s
around lights• Role of K+ ! (Can be Dig Toxic with therapeutic Dig levels if K+
is low!) Therapeutic Level = 0.5-2.0 ng/ml• Low K+: Possible U Waves on EKG
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Prototype: digoxin
• (+) inotropic effect; (-) chronotropic effect; improves stroke volume and C.O.
• Indications: treatment of heart failure; treatment of atrial fibrillation
• Nursing Implications: AP, monitor dig levels, monitor K+
• Contraindicated: Ventricular rhythm disturbances: VF, VT, 2nd -3rd degree AV block
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Loop Diuretics
• bumetanide (Bumex ®)• furosemide (Lasix ®)
• Monitor serum K+ 3.5 – 5.0 mEq/L• Potassium rich foods
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Prototype: furosemide
• Block reabsorption of NA and Cl, prevent reabsorption of H2O, causing extensive diuresis;
• Indications: Pulmonary edema d/t Heart failure
• Nursing Implications: I&O, daily weights, hypotension, diuresis (foley?), orthostatic hypotension, monitor K+, RELATE THIS MED IN RELATION TO OTHER MEDS. Dietary counseling. Block 7.0 Module 2.1
Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
• clopidogrel bisulfate (Plavix ®)• dipyridamole (Persantine ®)• ticlopidine HCl (Ticlid ®)
• Prevention of TIA’s, CVA; combined with warfarin or ASA for heart valves, MI, bypass grafts, stents.
Block 7.0 Module 2.1
Prototype: aspirin
• Prevent platelets from clumping or aggregating;
• Indications: Primary prevention of MI; prevention of CVA (stroke);
• Nursing Implications: bleeding , GI Upset ; use cautiously in those with anticoagulants and NSAID’s (potentiates).
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Potassium Sparing / Combination Diuretics
• hydrochlorothizide / triamterene• (Dyazide ®, Maxzide ®)
• spironolactone (Aldactone ®)• Treatment of edema and hypertension
• Avoid high K= foods (oranges, bananas, salt substitute, dried apricots, dates,
• Weigh Daily Block 7.0 Module 2.1
Prototype: spironolactone
• Spironolactone is classified as a potassium-sparing diuretic.
• Indications:congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and kidney disease. It can also be used in combination with other drugs to treat elevated blood pressure.
• Nursing Implications: Used with other diuretics; Give with meals; Avoid salt substitutes containing potassium;
• Monitor I and O Block 7.0 Module 2.1
Thiazides / Related Diuretics
• chlorthalidone • (Hygroton ®, Hylidone ®, Thalitone ®
• hydrochlorothiazide [hctz] (Hydrodiuril ®)• indapamide (Lozol ®)• metolazone (Zaroxylyn ®)
Block 7.0 Module 2.1
• NOTE THAT MORE THAN ONE HYPERTENSIVE –SOMETIMES SEVERAL--MAY BE NEEDED TO CONTROL HTN; USED IN COMBINATION WITH DIURETICS; Tx edema, HTN
• Monitor for hypokalemia
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Anti-Coagulants
• Heparin• Enoxaparin• Warfarin
• Antidotes:• Heparin = protamine sulfate• Coumadin = vitamin K• Digoxin = Digibind, Digifab,
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Prototype: heparin
• Inactivation of thrombin formation vis inhibition of fibrin formation,
• Indications: DIC, stroke, prophylaxis agains post-op DVT,
• Nursing Implications: bleeding (remember: internal & external bleeding) Heparin Induced Throbocytopenia (HIT)—stop if platelets <100,000; monitor aPTT (< 2 x baseline)
• Antidote: Protamine sulfateBlock 7.0 Module 2.1
Thrombolytic Medications
Block 7.0 Module 2.1
Prototype: streptokinase
• Act by dissolving clots.• Indications: Acute MI; DVT; Pulmonary emboli,
ischemic stroke (alteplase) • Nursing Implications: MONITOR FOR BLEEDING;
monitor VS; (see p. 310, ATI Pharm)• Contraindications: prior intracranial
hemorrhage, active internal bleeding, significant trauma within 3 months, acute pericarditis, brain tumors.
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EMERGENCY CARDIACPHARMACOLOGY
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• Oxygen• Epinephrine• Atropine• Adenosine• Lidocaine (or amiodarone)
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Oxygen
• 100 % ! (during resuscitation, for all clients, including those with chronic respiratory conditions, e.g., COPD)
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Epinephrine(Adrenaline)
catecholamine • Pharmacologic action: vasoconstriction;
increased heart rate (+ chronotrope); increased rate of conduction; increased BP; increased myocardial contractility.
• Indication: Cardiac arrest; ventricular fibrillation
• Administration: IV, IV push• Dose: 1 mg IV push q3-5min• Nursing Implications: Monitor blood pressure,
peripheral pulses, urinary outputUse infusion pump Block 7.0 Module 2.1
Atropine sympathomimetics
• Pharmacologic Action: • Indication: SYMPTOMATIC BRADYCARDIA• Administration: IV • Nursing Considerations: weigh the risks to
increased myocardial oxygen demand in CV patient
• 1 mg rapid IV. Repeat q3-5 minutes up to maximum total dose of 0.04 mg/kg.
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Adenosine class V antiarrhythmic
• Pharmacologic Action: Class V anti-arrhythmic; causes transient heart block in the AV node
• Indication: SVT & WPW• Administration: IV Bolus• Nursing Considerations: after IV bolus, causes
a transient asystole• 6 mg rapid IV, followed by saline flush. If no response in 1-2 minutes give 12 mg
rapid IV. May repeat in 1-2 minutes if needed.
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Lidocaine anti-arrhythmic
• Indications: ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia
• Pharmacologic Actions: anti-arrhythmic• Administration: IV • Nursing Considerations: monitor the patient!
If received bolus, needs to receive a continuous infusion afterwards; CNS effects—drowsiness, altered mental status, seizures
• 1 to 1.5 mg/kg q3-5min. Maximum total: 3 mg/kg.
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Amiodarone anti-arrhythmic
• Indications: • Pharmacologic Actions:• Administration: • Nursing Considerations:
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MatchingColumn A
• Alpha Blocker
• Beta Blocker
• Calcium Channel Blocker
• Anti-Anginal
• Anti-Arrhythmic
• Anti-Hypertensive
• Anti-Lipemic
• Digitalis Glycosides
• Loop Diuretics
• Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
• Potassium Sparing / Combination Diuretics
• Thiazide Diuretics
Column B• A. isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil ®)• B. digoxin (Lanoxin ® )• C. prazosin HCl (Minipres ®)• D. amiodarone HCl (Cordarone®, Pacerone ® )• E. hydralazine HCl (Apresoline ®)• F. dipyridamole (Persantine ®)• G. nitroglycerin (Nitrostat ®)• H. lidocaine HCl (Xylocaine ®)• I. simvastatin (Zocor ®)• J. doxazosin mesylate (Cardura®)• K. quinidine (Quinaglute ®)• L. clonidine (Catapres ®)• M. atorvastatin calcium (Lipitor ®)• N. gemfibrozol (Lopid ®)• O. lovastatin ( Mevacor ®)• P. spironolactone (Aldactone ®)• Q. hydrochlorothiazide [hctz] (Hydrodiuril ®)• R. clopidogrel bisulfate (Plavix ®)• S. carvedilol (Coreg ®)• T. furosemide (Lasix ®)• U. colestipol (Colestid ®)• V. propranolol HCl (Inderal ®)• W. nifedipine (Adalat ®, Procardia XL ®)• X. ticlopidine HCl (Ticlid®)• Y. verapamil HCl (Calan ®)• Z. bumetanide (Bumex ®)
• ACE Inhibitors
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M N O
PQ
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
ZBlock 7.0 Module 2.1
Appendix: Electrolytes & Imbalances
related to: Cardiac Effects
Sodium (Na+) • Normal level = • 135 to 145 mEq/L (adult) • Required in acid-base and
osmotic pressure balance, nerve function and water equilibrium.
Effects:• >Decreased
Hypotension, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, muscle tremors, twitching, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, muscle tremors, twitching, weakness, confusion, seizures, and coma
• <Increased Lethargy, irritability, muscle twitching, tremors, dry skin and mucous membranes, fever, hypotension, disorientation, delirium, cerebral
hemorrhage, coma Block 7.0 Module 2.1
Potassium (K+)
• Normal level = • 3.5 to 5 mEq/L (adult) • Major factor in
carbohydrate metabolism, osmotic pressure balance, acid-base balance and normal muscle contraction.
Effects:• > Decreased
Cardiac arrhythmia, depressed S-T segment, flattened/inverted T wave, U wave, confusion, lethargy, muscle weakness, paralysis, abdominal distention, constipation, paralytic ileus, thirst, frequent voiding
• < Increased Muscle weakness, paralysis, numbness and tingling, ventricular fibrillation, cardiac arrest, tall tented T waves
!Block 7.0 Module 2.1
Calcium (Ca++) • Normal level = • 8.5 to 10 mg/dL • Involved in bone and tooth
formation, blood coagulation, nerve function, muscle contraction.
Effects• >Decreased
Frequent hives, chronic fatigue, canker and cold sores, muscle cramps (Charlie Horses), and itchy skin dementia, depression, psychosis, tetany (Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs), laryngospasm, or generalized convulsions, cardiac arrhythmias with lengthened QT segments
• <Increased Muscle weakness, bone fragility, kidney stones, loss of appetite, thirst, frequent urination, lethargy, fatigue, joint pains, memory loss, depression, constipation, anorexia, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, ileus, polyuria, nocturia, and polydipsia, emotional lability, confusion, delirium, psychosis, stupor, coma, cardiac arrhythmias with shortened QT segment Block 7.0 Module 2.1
Magnesium (Mg2+) • Normal level = • 1.3 to 2.1 mEq/L • Required for activation of
an enzyme necessary for energy metabolism and bone formation.
• >Decreased Muscle weakness, fatigue, confusion, restlessness, hyperexcitability, vertigo, seizures, muscle tremors, nystagmus, tachycardia, hypotension, PAC, PVC, Toursades de Pointes arrhythmia, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, personality change, tetany (eg, positive Trousseau's or Chvostek's sign or spontaneous carpopedal spasm), and tremor and muscle fasciculations
• <Increased Muscle weakness, drowsiness, lethargy, hypotension, paralysis, coma, cardiac and respiratory problems
Block 7.0 Module 2.1
Blood Glucose
Hypoglycemia Hyperglycemia • Diabetic Ketoacidosis · Fatigue ·
Flushed, dry skin· Dry mouth · Increased thirst · Increased urination· Blurry vision · Headache· Nausea and Vomiting· Dehydration· Weak, rapid pulse· Hypotension· High blood glucose levels (>240 mg/dL).· Ketones in urine· Increased thirst and urination · Nausea, vomiting, and/or stomach pain· Changes in or difficulty breathing (Kussmaul’s respirations)· Acid or fruity smell on breath (Acetone breath)· Flushing · Dehydration · Fatigue · Stupor and coma
Restlessness· Irritability· Confusion· Trembling· Slurred speech · Headache · Tingling lips · Paresthesia· Diaphoresis (cool skin) · Pallor· Tachycardia· Shallow respirations· Hypertension· Weakness · Hunger · Coma · Tremors
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Hypokalemia: ST depression,
decreased or inverted T waves, U waves² Hyperkalemia: peaked T waves, decreased P waves, short QT, widened QRS, sine wave² Hypocalcemia: prolonged QT, flat or inverted T waves² Hypercalcemia: short or absent ST, decreased QTc interval² Hypomagnesemia: prolonged QT, flat T waves, prolonged PR, aFib, torsade² Hypermagnesemia: short PR, heart block, peaked T waves, widened QRS0² Digitalis toxicity: ST depression (scoop), flat T waves² Quinidine: prolonged QT, widened QRS² Pericarditis: diffuse ST elevation with PR interval depression
Hypomagnesemia: prolonged QT, flat T waves, prolonged PR, aFib, torsade² Hypermagnesemia: short PR, heart block, peaked T waves, widened QRS0² Digitalis toxicity: ST depression (scoop), flat T waves
Block 7.0 Module 2.1
Appendix: A Med-Surg Nurses description of cardiac care—things to think
about with patient care
• Monitor your patient's response to drug therapy by assessing his blood pressure, heart rate, heart sounds, ECG results, breath sounds, urine output, and weight. Also, assess him for peripheral edema.
• If the physician prescribes a digitalis glycoside, take your patient's apical pulse for a full minute before administering the drug. Withhold the drug if his apical pulse is less than 60 beats per minute.
Block 7.0 Module 2.1
• Begin digitalis glycoside therapy by administering a loading dose (AS ORDERED) to achieve a therapeutic level more quickly. Monitor your patient's serum digoxin level to ensure that it remains in the therapeutic range of 1 to 2 ng/ml. Also, assess him for signs and symptoms of digitalis toxicity.
• If he's also receiving a thiazide or loop diuretic, monitor his serum potassium level; a low potassium level can lead to digitalis toxicity.
Block 7.0 Module 2.1
• Other drugs that increase the risk of digitalis toxicity include beta-blockers, anticholinergics, quinidine, verapamil, nifedipine, amiodarone, and propafenone.
• If your patient is receiving one of these drugs during digitalis glycoside therapy, monitor his heart rate and rhythm and assess for signs of digitalis toxicity, such as gastrointestinal, neurologic, or vision disturbances. If he shows evidence of toxicity, HOLD THE MEDICATION & NOTIFY THE PYSICIAN--the digitalis glycoside will most likely be on hold until his level returns to the therapeutic range.
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• During therapy, reduce your patient's cardiac workload by restricting his activity. Provide oxygen through a face mask or nasal cannula, as prescribed, to support his heart's oxygen demands
• After therapy, your patient may be referred to an occupational therapist to learn how to conserve oxygen and energy while performing daily activities. The therapist also may help your patient modify his environment to reduce cardiac workload. For ex ample, the therapist may suggest moving bed room furniture to the first floor and obtaining a bedside commode.
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• Teach your patient and his family about his prescribed drug therapy. If a digitalis glycoside has been prescribed, instruct him to take his pulse before taking the drug. Tell your patient that he may need potassium supplements with diuretic and digitalis glycoside therapy.
• Tell him to withhold the dose and call the physician if his pulse is lower than 60 beats per minute. Also, teach him the signs and symptoms of digitalis toxicity, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, vision changes, and an abnormally slow pulse rate; hypokalemia, such as weakness, fatigue, nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea; and hyperkalemia, such as muscle tenderness, fatigue, and constipation.
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• Tell your patient that he may need potassium supplements with diuretic and digitalis glycoside therapy.
• If your patient is taking more than one drug, help him devise a dosage schedule that accommodates his lifestyle. For example, advise him to take twice-daily drugs before breakfast and dinner (if not contraindicated) to avoid forgetting to take them during a busy workday.Block 7.0 Module 2.1
• Instruct the patient to follow a low-sodium diet. If necessary, refer him to a dietitian. Tell him to record his daily weights in a log and to report a weight gain greater than 3 pounds over 2 days or less.
• Tell him to conserve his energy by resting frequently. Explain how to obtain and use supplemental oxygen, if prescribed.
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• Most patients with heart failure benefit from a home care referral. If your patient will have a home care nurse, tell him that the nurse will perform a complete assessment of his cardiac and respiratory status. And the nurse will answer questions about his drug regimen and monitor his compliance with the drug regimen and dietary restrictions.
• The home health nurse will also instruct him and his family about using home oxygen therapy, if prescribed.
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