Cardiac and Ophthalmic Pharmacology Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering cardiac and ophthalmic medications, key side effects, hold parameters, and administration protocols based on the transcript.

ACE Inhibitors

A class of blood pressure medications ending in "-pril" (such as captopril, enalapril, and lisinopril) that lower blood pressure by dilating blood vessels and excreting water and sodium while retaining potassium.

Hyperkalemia

An elevated level of potassium in the blood, a major side effect of ACE inhibitors and ARBs caused by the retention of potassium during sodium and water excretion.

Bradykinin

An enzyme-regulated peptide that builds up in the body when an ACE inhibitor blocks its breakdown, leading to a persistent, chronic dry cough.

Angioedema

A severe allergic reaction marked by lip, tongue, face, and airway swelling; it is a critical contraindication requiring immediate discontinuation of the offending drug (e.g., lisinopril) and priority airway management.

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

Antihypertensive medications ending in "-sartan" (such as losartan and valsartan) that cause vasodilation and excrete sodium and water while retaining potassium, carrying a specific risk of fetal injury.

Orthostatic Hypotension

A drop in blood pressure that occurs when a patient moves from sitting or lying to standing, creating a high fall risk during early administration of antihypertensive therapy.

Digoxin Therapeutic Range

A narrow blood level window of $0.5$ to $2.0\,\text{ng/mL}$ (or $0.5$ to $2.0\,\text{mg/mL}$ as cited) required to maintain therapeutic efficacy without causing toxicity.

Digoxin Toxicity

A dangerous state of drug accumulation indicated by central nervous system symptoms (yellow halos around eyes) and gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite).

Nitroglycerin Sublingual Protocol

Emergency administration for acute angina where the patient sits down, places $1$ tablet under the tongue every $5\,\text{minutes}$ up to a maximum of $3$ tablets in $15\,\text{minutes}$, and calls 911 if pain persists after the first dose.

Clonidine

A centrally acting drug used for hypertension, ADHD, and cancer pain that carries a risk of severe rebound hypertension if stopped abruptly.

Rebound Hypertension

A dangerous, sudden spike in blood pressure resulting from the sudden discontinuation of antihypertensive medications such as clonidine or beta blockers.

Beta Blockers

Antihypertensive and antiarrhythmic medications ending in "-olol" (such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol) that slow heart rate and lower blood pressure.

Beta Blocker Hold Parameters

Clinical threshold requiring the nurse to hold the medication and notify the provider if heart rate is less than $60\,\text{beats/min}$ or systolic blood pressure is less than $100\,\text{mmHg}$.

Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG)

A chronic, progressive eye condition characterized by fluid buildup and increased intraocular pressure that can damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss.

Timolol Ophthalmic Solution

A topical ophthalmic beta blocker used to treat chronic open-angle glaucoma by enhancing aqueous fluid outflow to lower intraocular pressure.

Latanoprost

A topical prostaglandin analog used as a first-line medication for open-angle glaucoma; side effects include browning of the iris and eyelids.

Pilocarpine

A muscarinic ophthalmic medication used to reduce intraocular pressure, which requires client monitoring for adverse effects like retinal detachment.

Retinal Detachment

A sight-threatening medical emergency manifested by sudden flashes of light, gray floaters, or a curtain-like obstruction closing over the visual field.

Nasolacrimal Occlusion Technique

The practice of applying light pressure to the inner tear duct for $30\,\text{to}\,60\,\text{seconds}$ after eye drop instillation to prevent systemic drug absorption.