124: Cardiac Medications and Nursing
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The series focuses on the medications used to treat conditions of the cardiovascular system. It begins with an overview of the anatomy and physiology of the heart, followed by an explanation of the affects of chronotropic and inotropic agents. Drug classes used for the treatment of cardiac disorders are discussed as they relate to specific conditions and uses, including angina, hypertension, anticoagulation, heart failure, hyperlipidemia, and arrhythmias. Indications, contraindications, and possible adverse reactions are included. The segment on antiarrhythmics begins with an overview of the electrophysiologic properties of the heart. Patient teaching regarding the medications as well as signs and symptoms of cardiac disease and adverse drug reactions are covered. Content throughout is enhanced with animated graphics and realistic patient care scenarios.
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Schools: Medication administration, cardiac care.
Healthcare Facilities: Nursing staff orientation and review; annual update. |
124.1 Anatomy Review and Antianginals (20 min.)
1. Describe the basic physiology of the cardiovascular system.
2. List the factors which affect the heart’s ability to pump blood.
3. Discuss the role of inotropic and chronotropic medications in supporting the heart’s ability to effectively pump blood.
4. Give the symptoms and causes of angina.
5. State actions, indications, and contraindications for drugs in the following categories related to angina: nitrates,
beta blockers, and
calcium channel blockers.
6. Outline patient teaching for individuals being treated for angina. |
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124.2 Antihypertensives and Anticoagulants (24 min.)
1. Describe how hypertension leads to other forms of heart disease.
2. List four conditions that often lead to a diagnosis of hypertension.
3. State actions, indications, and contraindications for drugs in the following categories related to hypertension:
ACE inhibitors and ARBs,
beta blockers,
calcium channel blockers, and
central adrenergic inhibitors.
4. Outline patient teaching for individuals taking antihypertensives.
5. State actions, indications, and contraindications for the following anticoagulants: warfarin,
heparin, and
antiplatelet agents. |
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124.3 Heart Failure Meds & Cholesterol-Lowering Agents (19 min.)
1. State actions, indications, and contraindications for the use of digoxin.
2. Outline patient teaching for individuals taking digoxin.
3. Define heart failure and list its effects.
4. Discuss the role of diuretics in patients with congestive failure and hypertension.
5. Name, compare and contrast the three categories of diuretics.
6. Describe nursing care related to the care of a person receiving diuretics.
7.
State actions, indications, and possible serious adverse reactions for drugs used to lower cholesterol. |
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124.4 Antiarrhythmic Agents, part 1 (15 min.)
1. List and define the four electrophysiologic properties of the heart.
2. Describe the polarization-depolarization-repolarization cycle of a cardiac cell.
3. Compare and contrast the pacemaker function of the SA node, the AV node, and the Purkinje fibers.
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Discuss the phenomenon known as “reentry.” |
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124.5. Antiarrhythmic Agents, part 2 (23 min.)
1. Compare and contrast the four categories of antiarrhythmic medications in the Vaughn-Williams Classification.
2. List at least two drugs from each of the Vaughan-Williams classifications.
3. Define “pro-arrhythmic effect.”
4. Outline the potential side effects related to the drug amiodarone.
5. Describe the effects and administration of adenosine in the treatment of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PAT). |
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