Pharmacology: Cardiovascular Medications Flashcards
7 cards from real NCLEX practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Pharmacology: Cardiovascular Medications flashcards as text
A patient taking lisinopril develops a persistent dry cough. What is the likely cause?
Answer: Accumulation of bradykinin from ACE inhibition
ACE inhibitors increase bradykinin, causing a dry cough.
Which serious adverse effect of ACE inhibitors requires immediate discontinuation and emergency care?
Answer: Angioedema
Angioedema is a life-threatening swelling that requires stopping the drug immediately.
The nurse should monitor which lab value in a patient on an ACE inhibitor due to risk of hyperkalemia?
Answer: Potassium
ACE inhibitors can cause potassium retention, so potassium must be monitored.
Why are ACE inhibitors contraindicated in pregnancy?
Answer: They cause fetal injury and death
ACE inhibitors are teratogenic and can cause fetal harm or death.
A patient who cannot tolerate an ACE inhibitor cough may be switched to which drug ending in '-sartan'?
Answer: Losartan (an ARB)
ARBs like losartan provide similar effects without the bradykinin cough.
What teaching is essential for a patient starting an ACE inhibitor regarding salt substitutes?
Answer: Avoid potassium-based salt substitutes
Potassium salt substitutes increase the risk of hyperkalemia with ACE inhibitors.
First-dose hypotension is a concern with ACE inhibitors, so the nurse should advise the patient to do what?
Answer: Rise slowly from a sitting or lying position
Rising slowly reduces the risk of orthostatic hypotension and falls.