Pharm2- Cardiac PP 2 - Nitrates,digitalis&STATIN

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to cardiovascular pharmacology, focusing on nitrates, digoxin, and statins, along with their mechanisms, indications, contraindications, and patient education principles.

Nitrates

Medications that dilate blood vessels to relieve angina.

Digitalis

A class of medication used to treat heart conditions, particularly heart failure.

Statins

Medications that lower cholesterol levels in the blood.

Angina

Chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.

Stable Angina

Predictable chest pain occurring with exertion or stress.

Unstable Angina

Unexpected chest pain that occurs at rest, indicating a medical emergency.

Variant Angina

Chest pain occurring at rest, often related to coronary artery spasms.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

The most common cause of ischemic heart disease, characterized by the narrowing of coronary arteries.

Lifestyle changes for angina management

Diet modifications, exercise, smoking cessation, and statin usage.

Nitroglycerin

A nitrate used to relieve acute angina episodes.

Sublingual nitroglycerin

A fast-acting form of nitroglycerin for immediate relief of angina.

Transdermal nitroglycerin

A method of delivering nitroglycerin through the skin for long-term prevention of angina.

Side effects of nitrates

Including headache, dizziness, and orthostatic hypotension.

Digoxin

A cardiac glycoside used to increase the force of heart contractions.

Digoxin toxicity symptoms

Includes nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances.

Nursing considerations for nitrates

Monitor for hypotension, educate about administration and side effects.

Contraindications for nitrates

Pregnancy, severe anemia, and other conditions leading to hypotension.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels to improve blood flow.

Immediate management of acute angina

Take nitroglycerin and seek emergency care if pain does not resolve.

Isosorbide dinitrate

A long-acting nitrate used for chronic angina management.

Mechanism of action of statins

Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, leading to decreased cholesterol synthesis.

Common side effects of statins

Abdominal cramps, diarrhea, constipation, and rash.

Serious side effects of statins

Can include myalgia, rhabdomyolysis, and hepatotoxicity.

Drug interactions with statins

Avoid grapefruit juice and certain medications that can elevate statin levels.

Client education for statins

Discuss lifestyle modifications and potential side effects.

Heart failure

A condition where the heart is unable to pump sufficiently to maintain blood flow.

Orthostatic hypotension

A drop in blood pressure upon standing, which can cause lightheadedness.

Potassium-rich foods

Bananas, oranges, and potatoes that help maintain normal potassium levels.

Assessment in cardiac medication management

Monitoring vital signs, symptoms of toxicity, and therapeutic responses.

Tachycardia

An increased heart rate that can be a side effect of nitrate medications.

Medication storage for nitrates

Store in the original container at room temperature, protected from light.

Digoxin administration

Take pulse before administration; hold if heart rate is <60 bpm.

Adaptations for patients on nitrates

Educate about taking medication before triggering activities and recognizing symptoms.

Long-term nitrate management

Involves the use of patches with nitrate-free intervals.

Emergency care for angina

Call for help if angina pain persists after multiple doses of nitroglycerin.