NUR 353 PHARMACOLOGY REVIEW FOR FINAL EXAM 2026/2027 |
NUR 353 PHARMACOLOGY STUDY GUIDE
Inhibitors of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) and Calcium Channel Blockers
(CCBs)
Angiotensin Antagonists (ACE Inhibitors)
ACE inhibitors block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, leading to reduced
vasoconstriction and decreased aldosterone secretion.
Common side effects include dry cough, dizziness, fatigue, and rash; switching to ARBs
may alleviate cough.
Serious adverse effects can include angioedema, hyperkalemia, hypotension, and renal
failure.
Examples include Captopril (Capoten) and Apo-Capto, which are used to manage
hypertension and heart failure.
Monitoring of renal function and potassium levels is essential during treatment.
Patient education should include recognizing signs of hypotension and the importance of
adherence to therapy.
Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)
CCBs inhibit calcium ion influx in cardiac and smooth muscle cells, leading to
vasodilation and reduced peripheral vascular resistance.
Verapamil (Calan) is used for hypertension, angina, supraventricular tachycardia, and A-
Fib.
Nifedipine (Procardia) primarily acts on vascular smooth muscle, making it effective for
hypertension.
Patients should be advised to avoid grapefruit juice, which can increase drug levels and
lead to toxicity.
Regular monitoring of blood pressure and observation for peripheral edema is crucial.
Education on the importance of swallowing tablets whole due to enteric coating is
necessary.
, Vasodilators and Their Mechanisms of Action
Direct-Acting Vasodilators
Direct-acting vasodilators, such as Hydralazine (Apresoline), dilate arterioles, which can
increase heart rate and myocardial contractility.
Therapeutic uses include hypertension and heart failure management.
Common side effects include headache, dizziness, weakness, and fatigue.
Reflex tachycardia and increased blood volume can occur as compensatory mechanisms.
A rare but serious side effect is a lupus-like syndrome, which requires monitoring and
patient education.
Patients should be informed about the importance of adherence to therapy and
potential side effects.
Diuretics, Beta-Adrenergic Blockers, and Inotropic Agents
Diuretics
Loop diuretics, such as Furosemide (Lasix), are commonly used in conjunction with
Digoxin for heart failure management.
Monitoring of electrolytes and renal function is essential due to the risk of hypokalemia
and renal impairment.
Patient education should include signs of dehydration and the importance of adhering to
prescribed doses.
Diuretics can lead to increased urine output, which may affect daily activities and fluid
balance.
Assessing weight changes can help monitor fluid status in patients.
Understanding the mechanism of action helps in anticipating therapeutic outcomes.
Beta-Adrenergic Blockers
Non-selective beta-blockers, such as Propranolol (Inderal), block beta-adrenergic
receptors, reducing heart rate, contractility, and oxygen demand.
These effects lead to decreased blood pressure and improved heart function, particularly
in heart failure patients.
NUR 353 PHARMACOLOGY STUDY GUIDE
Inhibitors of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) and Calcium Channel Blockers
(CCBs)
Angiotensin Antagonists (ACE Inhibitors)
ACE inhibitors block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, leading to reduced
vasoconstriction and decreased aldosterone secretion.
Common side effects include dry cough, dizziness, fatigue, and rash; switching to ARBs
may alleviate cough.
Serious adverse effects can include angioedema, hyperkalemia, hypotension, and renal
failure.
Examples include Captopril (Capoten) and Apo-Capto, which are used to manage
hypertension and heart failure.
Monitoring of renal function and potassium levels is essential during treatment.
Patient education should include recognizing signs of hypotension and the importance of
adherence to therapy.
Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)
CCBs inhibit calcium ion influx in cardiac and smooth muscle cells, leading to
vasodilation and reduced peripheral vascular resistance.
Verapamil (Calan) is used for hypertension, angina, supraventricular tachycardia, and A-
Fib.
Nifedipine (Procardia) primarily acts on vascular smooth muscle, making it effective for
hypertension.
Patients should be advised to avoid grapefruit juice, which can increase drug levels and
lead to toxicity.
Regular monitoring of blood pressure and observation for peripheral edema is crucial.
Education on the importance of swallowing tablets whole due to enteric coating is
necessary.
, Vasodilators and Their Mechanisms of Action
Direct-Acting Vasodilators
Direct-acting vasodilators, such as Hydralazine (Apresoline), dilate arterioles, which can
increase heart rate and myocardial contractility.
Therapeutic uses include hypertension and heart failure management.
Common side effects include headache, dizziness, weakness, and fatigue.
Reflex tachycardia and increased blood volume can occur as compensatory mechanisms.
A rare but serious side effect is a lupus-like syndrome, which requires monitoring and
patient education.
Patients should be informed about the importance of adherence to therapy and
potential side effects.
Diuretics, Beta-Adrenergic Blockers, and Inotropic Agents
Diuretics
Loop diuretics, such as Furosemide (Lasix), are commonly used in conjunction with
Digoxin for heart failure management.
Monitoring of electrolytes and renal function is essential due to the risk of hypokalemia
and renal impairment.
Patient education should include signs of dehydration and the importance of adhering to
prescribed doses.
Diuretics can lead to increased urine output, which may affect daily activities and fluid
balance.
Assessing weight changes can help monitor fluid status in patients.
Understanding the mechanism of action helps in anticipating therapeutic outcomes.
Beta-Adrenergic Blockers
Non-selective beta-blockers, such as Propranolol (Inderal), block beta-adrenergic
receptors, reducing heart rate, contractility, and oxygen demand.
These effects lead to decreased blood pressure and improved heart function, particularly
in heart failure patients.
