Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy
Antihypertensives, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, Beta-Blockers, Calcium Channel Blockers, and antiarrhythmics with crucial assessment parameters.
High-Yield Clinical Takeaways & NCLEX Priorities
- ACE inhibitors (-pril): Risk of angioedema (life-threatening airway obstruction), dry cough (switch to ARB), and hyperkalemia.
- Beta-Blockers (-lol): Negative inotrope and chronotrope; hold if HR < 60 bpm or SBP < 100 mmHg. Non-selective beta-blockers (propranolol) contraindicated in asthma.
- Nitroglycerin: Vasodilator; max 3 doses taken 5 minutes apart for chest pain; contraindicated within 24–48 hours of PDE-5 inhibitors (sildenafil).
1. Hemodynamic Nursing Checks
Never abruptly discontinue antihypertensive medications due to the danger of rebound hypertensive crisis. Teach patients to rise slowly from seated or lying positions to mitigate orthostatic hypotension.
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