Vasodilators

Question 1

Vasodilators Drug Names

Answer 1

Hydralazine
Minoxidil
Nitroprusside

Question 2

Vasodilators Therapeutic Actions

Answer 2

• Acts directly on vascular smooth muscle to cause relaxation which leads to vasodilation and decrease in BP
• Also results in decreased peripheral vascular resistance which increases cardiac output.

Question 3

Vasodilators Indications

Answer 3

• Severe hypertension
• Malignant hypertension
• Hypertensive emergencies

Question 4

Vasodilators contraindications and cautions

Answer 4

Contraindication:
• Allergy

Caution:
• Conditions exacerbated by decreased BP
- Peripheral vascular disease, CAD, CHF, cerebral insufficiency, or tachycardia

Question 5

Vasodilators DDI

Answer 5

DDI:

• Based on individual drug

Question 6

Vasodilators Adverse Effets

Answer 6

•	Related to changes in BP
-	CNS
-	CV
•	Skin 
•	GI upset
•	Cyanide Toxicity with nitroprusside
-	Pink/cherry-red skin
-	Headache 
-	Dizziness
-	tachycardia

Question 7

Vasodilators:

Assessment

Answer 7

Hx: allergy, CV disfunction
Physical: vital signs, weight, skin, cardiac, respiratory, abdominal(baseline)
Labs:

Question 8

Vasodilators:

Diagnosis

Answer 8

• Ineffective tissue perfusion
• Deficient knowledge
• Impaired skin integrity
• Acute pain

Question 9

Vasodilators:

Implementation

Answer 9

• Encourage lifestyle changes
• Monitor BP closely
• Monitor the patient carefully in any situation that might lead to a drop in fluid volume
• Comfort measures
• Provide thorough patient teaching

Question 10

Vasodilators:

Evaluation

Answer 10

Response to the drug (weight, skin, blood pressure)

Adverse effects (CNS, CV, GI upset)

Effectiveness of comfort measures Compliance with the regimen

Effectiveness of the teaching plan