Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

NUR 325 > Hypertension > Flashcards

Hypertension Flashcards

Exam 1 (66 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q

What types of medications are used to treat hypertension?

A

Diuretics, Sympathetic nervous system blockers, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and vasodilators

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are the three types of Diuretics?

A

Potassium-sparing
Thiazide (thiazide-like)
Loop

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is the mechanism of action in general diuretics?

A

Increase urinary output, decrease circulating volume, and decrease arterial resistance

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What medication is the 1st line management of mild hypertension?

A

Thiazide diuretics- Hydrochlorothiazide

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the mechanism of action of Hydrochlorothiazide?

A

Works on the distal convoluted tubule to inhibit resorption of sodium/potassium/chloride and decrease cardiac output. Results in water loss. Also relaxes arterioles and decreases peripheral vascular resistance.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are the side effects of Hydrochlorothiazide?

A

Electrolyte and metabolic disturbances- HYPOKALEMIA
Orthostatic hypotension
May worsen renal insufficiency
Hyperuricemia (elevated uric acid)
Can elevate levels of glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What nursing actions should we perform when a patient receives Hydrochlorothiazide?

A

Monitor potassium levels
Can give potassium supplements
Encourage food rich in potassium (avocado, spinach, bananas, sweet potatoes)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What medication is a loop diuretic?

A

Furosemide (lasix)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is the mechanism of action for loop diuretics?

A

Inhibits the kidneys ability to reabsorb sodium in the LOOP OF HENLE. Makes kidneys put more sodium in the urine. Water follows the sodium = increased urine output.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are the side effects of Furosemide?

A

HYPOKALEMIA and other electrolyte abnormalities
Dehydration
Hypotension
Ototoxicity- difficulty hearing, usually transient with furosemide

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What are some nursing considerations for a patient receiving Furosemide?

A

Monitor potassium levels
Patients typically receive KCL supplements with their Lasix dose

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the normal range for potassium?

A

3.5 - 5.0

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Why is hypokalemia so important to monitor for?

A

Potassium works on the heart and can cause rhythm problems

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What medication is a potassium-sparing diuretic (aldosterone agonist)?

A

Spironolactone

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is the mechanism of action for spironolactone?

A

Blocks the action of aldosterone (sodium and water retention) = potassium retention and excretion of sodium and water

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Why is Spironolactone given?

A

Usually given in combination with other hypertensives/diuretics to get more effect with a lower chance of hypokalemia. Only provides small amount of diuresis and hypotensive effect

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What are side effects associated with Spironolactone?

A

Can see HYPERkalemia
Endocrine effects: deepened voice, impotence, irregular menstrual cycles, gynecomastia, hirustism

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What are the three types of Sympatholytics?

A
  1. Alpha-adrenergic blockers
  2. Centrally acting alpha 2 agonists
  3. Beta adrenergic blockers
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is the mechanism of action of Sympatholytics?

A

Decrease blood pressure by decreasing PERIPHERAL VASCULAR RESISTANCE. Sympathetic nervous system BLOCKERS- decreased vasoconstriction

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What are the two types of beta adrenergic blockers (beta-blockers)?

A

Beta 1 receptors and Beta 2 receptors

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Where are Beta 1 receptors located?

A

In the hear (called cardioselective beta receptors)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Where are Beta 2 receptors located?

A

In the lungs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What 3 medications are beta blockers?

A

Metoprolol, propanolol, and carvedilol

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What is the suffix for beta blockers?

A

-OLOL

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
What kind of beta blocker is propanalol?
non-selective beta blocker
26
What kind of beta blocker is carvedilol?
Alpha and beta blockers
27
What is the mechanism of action for beta blockers?
Increases nitric oxide to cause a vasodilation response. Blocks stimulation of beta-1 receptors to decrease heart rate and contractility.
28
What are the side effects of beta blockers?
Fatigue/lethargy Bradycardia Hypotension Can mask hypoglycemia
29
What are nursing considerations with a patient receiving beta-blockers?
Wean when discontinuing Possibility of rebound hypertension if discontinued abruptly If it is a non-selective beta blocker, do not use in patients with asthma or other breathing conditions Recognize the risk for hypotension and/or bradycardia. Hold and contact provider if HR is less than 60 or a systolic BP less than 100
30
Why are alpha-2 adrenergic agonist (centrally acting sympatholytic) typically not the first-line treatment?
High side-effect profile
31
What medication is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist?
Clonidine
32
What is the mechanism action of Clonidine?
Decrease sympathetic outflow resulting in decreased stimulation of adrenergic receptors (both alpha AND beta receptors). Main outcome: decreased blood pressure.
33
What is a nursing consideration for a patient receiving Clonidine?
Do NOT abruptly discontinue- risk for rebound hypertension
34
What are potential side effects of Clonidine?
Drowsiness (most common) Rebound hypertension May worsen pre-existing liver disease
35
What medication is a selective alpha-1 blocker?
Doxazosin
36
What is the mechanism action of Doxazosin?
Selective alpha-1 blockade Venous AND arterial dilation
37
What are side effects of Doxazosin?
Hypotension Dizziness
38
What are the 3 types of RAAS blockers?
1 ACE inhibitors 2 ARBs 3 Renin inhibitor
39
What medication is safe and efficacious first-line therapy for hypertension and heart failure?
ACE inhibitors
40
What is the suffix for ACE inhibitors?
-PRIL
41
What medications are ACE inhibitors?
Captopril and Lisinopril
42
What is the mechanism of action of Captopril and Lisinopril?
Blocks angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Inhibits production of Angiotensin-2 (powerful vasoconstrictor). Inhibits aldosterone secretion and leads to less water retention
43
Why is Captopril and Lisinopril the drug of choice for Diabetes Mellitus?
Has some renal protective effects
44
What are side effects of Captopril and Lisinopril?
First dose hypotension Dry, non-productive, PERSISTENT cough Dizziness Rash Serious: ANGIOEDEMA
45
Why is Captopril and Lisinopril not appropriate for pregnant women?
Teratogenic
46
What nursing considerations do we need to think about when a patient is on Captopril or Lisinopril?
Renal insufficiency- use cautiously in patients with a history of renal disease Captopril can cause neutropenia- monitor WBC Risk of hyperkalemia- especially if on K supplements
47
What medication are ACE-inhibitors often given in conjunction with?
Thiazide diuretics
48
What medication is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARBs)?
Losartan
49
What is the suffix for angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)?
-sartan
50
What is the mechanism of action for Losartan?
Blocks the action of angiotensin 2 AFTER it has formed. Causes vasodilation and increased sodium and water retention.
51
What are indications for Losartan?
Hypertension Heart failure Stroke progression Many more
52
What are side effects of Losartan?
Well tolerated Some risk of angioedema Use cautiously in patients with renal problems
53
What is very important for women when taking ARBs (Losartan)?
Requires the use of contraception if of childbearing age. Do not use if pregnant.
54
What medication is ARBs never given with?
ACE inhibitors
55
What medication is a renin inhibitor?
Aliskiren
56
What is the mechanism of action of Aliskiren?
Direct inhibition of renin.
57
What are side effects of Aliskiren?
Relatively well tolerated GI discomfort When given with ACE inhibitors, watch for hyperkalemia, especially in patients with diabetes
58
What nursing considerations do we need to take with patients taking Aliskiren?
Takes several weeks to see full effect Do NOT take when pregnant
59
What medications are calcium channel blockers?
Nifedipine, amlodipine, nicardipine, verapamil, and diltiazem.
60
What two calcium channel blocker medications are more common to work on rhythm disturbances, not hypertension?
Verapamil and diltiazem
61
What is the mechanism of action of calcium channel blockers?
Blocks calcium access to cells causing decreased contractility and decreased conductivity of the heart and decreases the demand for oxygen
62
What are side effects of calcium channel blockers?
Orthostatic hypotension Peripheral edema
63
What are nursing considerations for patients currently taking calcium channel blockers?
Often best for elderly and African Americans Diuretics can be given for peripheral edema
64
What medication is a vasodilator?
Hydralazine
65
What is the mechanism of action of Hydralazine?
Vasodilators work directly on arterial and venous smooth muscles and cause relaxation. Direct vasodilation causes decreased systemic and peripheral vascular resistance
66
What are side effects of Hydralazine?
HYPOTENSION Dizziness, headache, tachycardia, edema, dyspnea, GI upset

NUR 325 (7 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions