Wk 4 Introduction to Heart Failure Medications

Flashcards covering heart failure medications, compensatory mechanisms, nursing interventions, and drug-specific considerations such as Digoxin and Milrinone.

Dioxin (Digoxin)

A cardiac glycoside that increases the force of contraction, decreases heart rate, and decreases blood pressure to help with perfusion.

Milbranum (Milrinone)

A phosphodiesterase inhibitor available only in IV form for short-term management of heart failure that increases cyclic AMP and calcium levels.

Ivabraden (Ivabradine)

A newer medication in the hyperpolarization activated cyclic nucleotide gated channel class used for stable symptomatic heart failure.

Sacrovitril and Lab software (Sacubitril and Valsartan)

A combination medication belonging to the angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor group.

Heart Failure

Also known as congestive heart failure, it is the failure of the heart to pump blood effectively, often involving the left ventricle.

Cardiomyopathy

A condition where the muscle in the ventricle either thins or thickens to the point it doesn't work, often caused by alcoholism, steroids, or genetics.

PFO (Patten Foramen Ovale)

An embryonic connection between the left and right atrium that should close at birth but can cause structural issues if it remains open.

Tachypneic

A compensatory state where the body increases the respiratory rate to get more oxygen because the heart is not perfusing effectively.

RAAS Activation (in Heart Failure)

A compensatory mechanism where the body uses vasoconstriction and holds onto water and sodium to raise blood pressure.

BNP (Brain Natriuretic Peptide)

A peptide produced from the left ventricle or atrium that serves as a good indicator of heart failure.

Orthopnea

Respiratory difficulty that occurs when lying down, often indicated by a patient needing to sleep on multiple pillows.

Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea

A condition related to left-sided heart failure that wakes the patient up in the middle of the night due to fluid backing up into the lungs.

JVD (Jugular Venous Distension)

A manifestation of right-sided heart failure caused by blood backing up from the superior vena cava.

Digoxin Toxicity Symptoms

Signs include nausea, vomiting, visual changes, and a yellowish halo around objects.

Digoxin Heart Rate Parameters

Medical providers may specify to hold the medication if the heart rate is less than $50$ or greater than $110$..

Daily Weight Monitoring

A critical nursing intervention where patients report a weight gain of approximately $2\,lb$ a day or $5\,lb$ a week.

Digoxin Half-life

The drug circulates unchanged for a half-life of $30$ to $40$ hours and remains in the body for $4$ to $5$ days.

Thrombocytopenia

One of the bigger adverse effects associated with the use of Milrinone.

Milrinone and Furosemide Interaction

If given in the same IV line, these medications will precipitate; they must be administered through separate lines.

Hepatomegaly

Enlargement of the liver that occurs in right-sided heart failure as fluid backs up through the portal hepatic system.