Vascular Alterations: Hypertension Medication

Vocabulary flashcards covering hypertensive medications, their adverse effects, and nursing considerations based on the lecture notes.

Clonidine

A medication whose adverse effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, dermatitis, and severe rebound hypertension; it should not be discontinued abruptly.

Clonidine Patch Application

Should be applied to a nonhairy area such as the upper outer arm or anterior chest.

Thiazide Diuretics (Hydrochlorothiazide)

Medications that can cause hypokalemia, dehydration, and postural hypotension; nursing considerations include weighing the patient regularly and monitoring for hypokalemia symptoms.

Potassium-Sparing Diuretics (Spironolactone)

Medications that can lead to hyperkalemia and GI upset; requires regular weighing and monitoring for symptoms of hyperkalemia.

Hydralazine

A vasodilator that dilates arteriolar smooth muscle; adverse effects include headache, palpitations, edema, tachycardia, and Lupus erythematosus–like syndrome.

Morphine sulfate

An agent that reduces cardiac workload, preload, and afterload pressures while relieving pain and anxiety; adverse effects include hypotension, respiratory depression, and constipation.

Calcium Channel Blockers

A class of drugs including Nifedipine, Verapamil, Diltiazem, and Amlodipine that reduces the workload of the left ventricle and acts as a coronary vasodilator.

Nifedipine

A calcium channel blocker with a high risk of hypotension and constipation in older adults.

Rebound hypertension

A severe adverse effect associated with the abrupt discontinuation of Clonidine.

Lupus erythematosus–like syndrome

A specific adverse effect associated with the vasodilator Hydralazine.

Orthostatic hypotension precautions

A necessary nursing intervention for patients taking Clonidine, especially older adults who are at high risk for CNS adverse effects.