NCLEX Pharmacology: Cardiac Medications
Ace your NCLEX pharmacology section with this focused flashcard deck on cardiac medications! This resource covers the most critical drug classes, their mechanisms of action, key indications, and essential nursing considerations like side effects and monitoring. Master the high-yield information needed to confidently answer questions about drugs used to manage hypertension, heart failure, arrhythmias, and dyslipidemia.
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How do ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril work?
They block conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, causing vasodilation and lowering aldosterone.
Which ACE inhibitor side effect most often leads to a switch to an ARB?
A persistent dry cough, caused by bradykinin buildup; ARBs such as valsartan do not cause it.
Which rare but life-threatening reaction can ACE inhibitors cause?
Angioedema: swelling of the face, lips, tongue or airway.
What should the nurse check before giving metoprolol?
Apical pulse and blood pressure; hold the dose and notify the provider if they fall below the prescribed parameters.
Which calcium channel blockers slow the heart rate and AV conduction?
The non-dihydropyridines, diltiazem and verapamil; monitor for bradycardia and hypotension.
What common side effect do amlodipine and nifedipine cause?
Peripheral (ankle) edema, from arteriolar vasodilation.
Which electrolyte imbalance is the main concern with furosemide?
Hypokalemia; sodium and magnesium can also fall.
Which electrolyte imbalance is the main risk with spironolactone?
Hyperkalemia, because blocking aldosterone makes the kidneys retain potassium.
What are classic signs of digoxin toxicity?
Nausea, vomiting, anorexia, bradycardia or new dysrhythmias, and yellow-green visual halos.
Which electrolyte imbalance raises the risk of digoxin toxicity?
Hypokalemia.
How should sublingual nitroglycerin be taken for chest pain?
One tablet every 5 minutes, up to 3 doses; call emergency services if pain is not better 5 minutes after the first.
Which statin side effect should a patient report right away?
Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, which can signal myopathy or, rarely, rhabdomyolysis.
Do statins need routine liver enzyme monitoring?
No. Check liver enzymes at baseline, then only if signs of liver injury appear (FDA labeling since 2012).
What long-term toxicities is amiodarone known for?
Pulmonary fibrosis, thyroid dysfunction, liver injury, corneal deposits and blue-gray skin discoloration.
Which lab value monitors warfarin therapy?
The INR (derived from the prothrombin time).
What reverses warfarin?
Vitamin K (phytonadione); prothrombin complex concentrate is used for serious bleeding.
Which lab test monitors unfractionated heparin?
The aPTT (some hospitals use an anti-Xa level).
What reverses heparin?
Protamine sulfate.