Antihypertensives

Question 1

What is the mechanism of action of ACE inhibitors?

Answer 1

Inhibits ACE, preventing the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, leading to vessel dilation and reduced blood pressure.

Angiotensin II constricts vessels, increasing BP; ACE inhibitors help manage BP by keeping vessels dilated.

Question 2

List three therapeutic uses of ACE inhibitors.

Answer 2

• Hypertension
• Heart failure
• Myocardial infarction

These are the main conditions for which ACE inhibitors are prescribed.

Question 3

What are the normal renal values for BUN and Creatinine?

Answer 3

• BUN: 7-20 mg/dL
• Creatinine: 0.6-1.2 mg/dL

Monitoring renal function is crucial as ACE inhibitors can worsen kidney failure.

Question 4

What suffix is commonly associated with ACE inhibitors?

Answer 4

-pril

This suffix helps identify the class of medication.

Question 5

What should be monitored while a patient is on ACE inhibitors?

Answer 5

Renal function

ACE inhibitors can worsen kidney failure or cause renal impairment.

Question 6

What are some common side effects of ACE inhibitors?

Answer 6

• Orthostatic hypotension
• Dizziness
• Angioedema
• Dry cough
• Elevated potassium levels

Angioedema and elevated potassium can be dangerous.

Question 7

True or False: ACE inhibitors are teratogenic and safe during pregnancy.

Answer 7

False

ACE inhibitors are not safe during pregnancy.

Question 8

What dietary modifications should patients on ACE inhibitors make?

Answer 8

• Avoid potassium-containing foods
• Avoid potassium pills
• Be cautious with salt substitutes

Salt substitutes often contain potassium, which should be avoided.

Question 9

What is a key patient education point regarding medication discontinuation?

Answer 9

Do not stop medication suddenly; it needs to be tapered.

Stopping suddenly can lead to rebound hypertension.

Question 10

What is the mechanism of action of Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)?

Answer 10

Blocks Angiotensin II

This action lowers blood pressure similar to ACE inhibitors.

Question 11

List the medication names for ARBs.

Answer 11

• Losartan
• Olmesartan
• Valsartan
• Azilsartan
• Candesartan

ARBs also share the common suffix -sartan.

Question 12

What is the main difference between ACE inhibitors and ARBs regarding heart rate?

Answer 12

ARBs lower heart rate, while ACE inhibitors do not directly affect heart rate.

This distinction is important for understanding their effects on cardiovascular health.

Question 13

Which class of medication is known to produce fewer side effects: ACE inhibitors or ARBs?

Answer 13

ARBs

Patients may tolerate ARBs better than ACE inhibitors due to fewer side effects.

Question 14

Fill in the blank: ACE inhibitors are excreted by the _______.

Answer 14

kidneys

This is why renal function must be monitored.

Question 15

What is the mnemonic for remembering ACE inhibitor side effects?

Answer 15

Angioedema, Cough, Elevated K+

This mnemonic helps recall significant side effects associated with ACE inhibitors.