GNUR 294 EXAM III
Nursing Application- Adrenergic Agonists
Monitor frequently of VS, urinary and cardiac output as appropriate,
especially if IV used
Assess for adverse and report adverse effects: tachycardia, HTN,
dysrhythmias, tremors, dysrhythmias, tremors, dizziness, headache, or
decrease UO. Severe HTN, seizures or angina may signal drug toxicity report
immediately
Raising the head of the bed during dyspnea will supplement therapeutic drug
effects and optimize the outcome
Monitor for signs of excessive autonomic nervous system stimulation and
notify the health care provider if BP or pulse exceeds established parameter
ECG and urine output if IV given
Closely monitor the IV infusion when using IV adrenergic agonists. All IV
adrenergic drips should be given via infusion pump
Continue to monitor blood glucose levels are appropriate lab values
Nursing Application- Adrenergic Antagonists
Daily weights should remain at or close to baseline weight- same time each
day, report if >2 lb in 24 hours
Take BP laying, sitting, and standing to detect orthostatic hypotension. Notify
health provider if BP or pulse decrease beyond the established parameters of
if hypotension is accompanied by reflex tachycardia. – teach patient to rise
from lying to sitting or standing slowly. Stop taking medication if BP is
<90/60 or below the parameters, notify healthcare provider
Monitor for breath sounds for increase dyspnea or adventitious breath
sounds
Give the first dose at bedtime
Assess for cold, painful, or tender feet or hands or other symptoms of
Raynaud’s disease
Do not abruptly stop the medication (Rebound HTN and tachycardia may
occur)
Nursing Application- Calcium Channel Blockers
Evaluate appropriate lab findings: electrolytes, especially potassium level,
liver function studies, and lipid profiles
Encourage appropriate lifestyle changes: lowered fat intake, increase
exercise, limited alcohol intake, and smoking cessation.
Weight the patient daily and report weight gain or loss of 1 kg (2 lb) or more
in a 24 hour period or 2 kg (5 lb) per week (Daily weight is an accurate
measure of fluid status and takes into account intake, output, and insensible
losses. Weight gain or edema may signal blood pressure has lowered to
quickly, stimulating renin release or is an adverse effect)
Instruct patient to report the chest pain or other angina- like symptoms
especially if increasing
Monitor for signs of HF- report SOB, forthy sputum, profound fatigue, or
swelling of extermities
Nursing Application- Adrenergic Agonists
Monitor frequently of VS, urinary and cardiac output as appropriate,
especially if IV used
Assess for adverse and report adverse effects: tachycardia, HTN,
dysrhythmias, tremors, dysrhythmias, tremors, dizziness, headache, or
decrease UO. Severe HTN, seizures or angina may signal drug toxicity report
immediately
Raising the head of the bed during dyspnea will supplement therapeutic drug
effects and optimize the outcome
Monitor for signs of excessive autonomic nervous system stimulation and
notify the health care provider if BP or pulse exceeds established parameter
ECG and urine output if IV given
Closely monitor the IV infusion when using IV adrenergic agonists. All IV
adrenergic drips should be given via infusion pump
Continue to monitor blood glucose levels are appropriate lab values
Nursing Application- Adrenergic Antagonists
Daily weights should remain at or close to baseline weight- same time each
day, report if >2 lb in 24 hours
Take BP laying, sitting, and standing to detect orthostatic hypotension. Notify
health provider if BP or pulse decrease beyond the established parameters of
if hypotension is accompanied by reflex tachycardia. – teach patient to rise
from lying to sitting or standing slowly. Stop taking medication if BP is
<90/60 or below the parameters, notify healthcare provider
Monitor for breath sounds for increase dyspnea or adventitious breath
sounds
Give the first dose at bedtime
Assess for cold, painful, or tender feet or hands or other symptoms of
Raynaud’s disease
Do not abruptly stop the medication (Rebound HTN and tachycardia may
occur)
Nursing Application- Calcium Channel Blockers
Evaluate appropriate lab findings: electrolytes, especially potassium level,
liver function studies, and lipid profiles
Encourage appropriate lifestyle changes: lowered fat intake, increase
exercise, limited alcohol intake, and smoking cessation.
Weight the patient daily and report weight gain or loss of 1 kg (2 lb) or more
in a 24 hour period or 2 kg (5 lb) per week (Daily weight is an accurate
measure of fluid status and takes into account intake, output, and insensible
losses. Weight gain or edema may signal blood pressure has lowered to
quickly, stimulating renin release or is an adverse effect)
Instruct patient to report the chest pain or other angina- like symptoms
especially if increasing
Monitor for signs of HF- report SOB, forthy sputum, profound fatigue, or
swelling of extermities
