NUR 210 Pharmacology Examination 3 Study Guide | Units 7–9

NUR 210 Pharmacology Exam 3 Study Guide
Units 7 8 and 9 2026/2027 Latest Update
ANTIHYPERTENSIVES — UNIT 7 STUDY GUIDE (MEMORIZATION VERSION)
(Everything you must know — short, clean, and high-yield)


1. Physiologic Risk Factors for Hypertension
• Too much fluid (↑ volume)
• Vasoconstriction (↑ resistance)
• High saturated fat & simple carbohydrate intake
• Alcohol ↑ renin → ↑ BP
• Obesity


2. Non-Pharmacologic BP Management
• Stress reduction
• Exercise
• Salt restriction
• Decrease alcohol
• Smoking cessation


3. Major Antihypertensive Drug Classes
• Diuretics
• Beta-blockers (-olol)
• Alpha-blockers
• Calcium channel blockers (CCB) (-pine)
• ACE inhibitors (-pril)
• ARBs (-sartan)


4. Beta-Blockers (-olol)
Examples: Metoprolol (selective β1), Propranolol(not good for asthma COPD
patient) (non-selective β1 & β2)
Action
• Blocks adrenergic effects




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,NUR 210 Pharmacology Exam 3 Study Guide
Units 7 8 and 9 2026/2027 Latest Update
• ↓ HR
• ↓ BP
Uses
• Hypertension
• Dysrhythmias
• Angina
• Good in African Americans when combined with diuretic
Avoid
• Propranolol in asthma/COPD (blocks β2) (metoprolol is the option)


5. Alpha-Blockers (Prazosin) high blood pressure and BPH and we don’t
take it with tamsulosin
Action
• Blocks alpha receptors → vasodilation → ↓ BP
Uses
• Hypertension
• Heart failure
• BPH
• Good monotherapy for African Americans
Side Effects
• Dizziness, headache
• Peripheral edema, weight gain
• Urinary incontinence
• Elevated liver enzyme
• Orthostatic hypotension
• Erectile dysfunction
• Safer for asthma and diabetics


6. Calcium Channel Blockers (CCB) (-pine)
Examples: Amlodipine, Verapamil, Diltiazem




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,NUR 210 Pharmacology Exam 3 Study Guide
Units 7 8 and 9 2026/2027 Latest Update
Action
• Blocks calcium movement in/out of cells → vasodilation & ↓ HR
Uses
• HTN
• Angina
• Dysrhythmias
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Effective as monotherapy in African Americans
Side Effects
• Flushing
• Headache
• Peripheral edema
• Hypotension
• Bradycardia
• Erectal dysfunction
Contraindication:
Decrease blood pressure
Interaction= OTC cold medication

alcohol, high blood pressure bindings drug, other drug lower blood pressure


7. ACE Inhibitors (-pril) angiotensin 2 = hypothalamus => thirst
Aldosterone= hypokalemia, hypernatremia, and extra water
Ace, pril= don’t allowed angiotensin 2 happens.

Example: Lisinopril
Action
• Blocks angiotensin II formation → vasodilation
• Blocks aldosterone → releases Na+ & water, retains K+
Uses
• Hypertension
• Heart failure




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, NUR 210 Pharmacology Exam 3 Study Guide
Units 7 8 and 9 2026/2027 Latest Update
Side Effects (VERY IMPORTANT)
• Dry, constant nonproductive cough (classic!)
• Hyperkalemia
• Orthostatic hypotension
• Angioedema
• Nephrotoxic
Contraindications
• Pregnancy
• Potassium-sparing diuretics (spironolactone)
• Salt substitutes (contain K+)


8. ARBs (-sartan, -tan)
Example: Losartan
Action
• Blocks angiotensin II from binding to receptors
• No vasoconstriction
• Releases Na+ & water
• Retains K+
Uses
• Hypertension
• Heart failure
Side Effects
• Does NOT cause ACE inhibitor cough
• Dizziness, fatigue
• Hyperkalemia
• Renal dysfunction


9. Nursing Assessment for Antihypertensives
• Vital signs (especially HR for beta-blo ckers & CCBs) <60
• Electrolytes (Na+ & K+)




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