Antihypertensive Medications Knowledge Test

Apical pulse

The pulse at the apex of the heart, typically measured with a stethoscope; monitoring it is important before giving a beta-blocker to avoid bradycardia, and the medication should be held if the rate is less than 60 bpm.

Atenolol (Tenormin)

*class*: beta blocker, antianginal, antihypertensive *Indication*: hypertension, angina, prevention of MI *Action*: blocks the stimulation of beta1 receptors in the SNS with minimal effect on beta2 receptors *Nursing Considerations*: - Contraindicated in CHF, pulmonary edema, cardiogenic shock, bradycardia, heart block - monitor hemodynamic parameters (HR, BP) - May cause bradycardia, CHF, pulmonary edema - Masks symptoms associated with diabetes mellitus - advise to change positions slowly to prevent orthostatic hypotension - instruct patient on how to take blood pressure

Hypertensive crisis

A severe elevation in blood pressure, typically with systolic BP over 180 mmHg; managed using medications like nitroprusside or labetalol.

First-dose effect

A sudden drop in blood pressure after the first dose of medication, often seen with alpha-blockers like Doxazosin.

Rebound hypertension

A sudden increase in blood pressure that can occur if beta-blockers are stopped abruptly.

Fluid retention

Accumulation of excess fluid in the body, a condition that ACE inhibitors and ARBs help prevent in heart failure patients.

Bradycardia

An abnormally slow heart rate, which can be a reason to withhold beta-blockers in patients.

ARBs

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (SARTAN)

Metoprolol Succinate

Antihypertensive-Beta Blocker

Bronchoconstriction

Constriction or narrowing of the airways in the lungs, a risk with beta-blockers like Propranolol in patients with a history of asthma.

End-organ damage

Damage to major organs like the heart, kidneys, or brain due to uncontrolled hypertension.

essential hypertension

High blood pressure with no verifiable physical cause, which makes up the overwhelming majority of high blood pressure cases.

primary hypertension

High blood pressure, the cause of which is unknown; also known as essential hypertension

Hyperkalemia

High levels of potassium in the blood, a condition that can be exacerbated if ACE inhibitors are given with potassium-sparing diuretics.

The provider has given the patient a new prescription for losartan. Which current medication order would cause the nurse to question the new order for losartan?

Lisinopril ARBS and ACE inhibitors are contraindicated with each other.

Metoprolol

Lopressor, Toprol XL

Calcium channel blockers

Medications like Amlodipine that prevent calcium from entering the heart and blood vessel cells, causing the heart to relax and blood vessels to dilate; major side effects include dizziness and peripheral edema.

Beta-blockers

Medications like Atenolol or Metoprolol that block the action of adrenaline on the heart and blood vessels.

ACE inhibitor

Medications like Lisinopril that inhibit the angiotensin-converting enzyme, used to treat high blood pressure; potassium and creatinine levels should be monitored regularly to prevent hyperkalemia and kidney impairment.

ARBs (Angiotensin II receptor blockers)

Medications like Losartan that block the action of angiotensin II, a substance that narrows blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure.

secondary hypertension

high blood pressure caused by the effects of another disease

Verapamil, Diltiazem

calcium channel blockers