Cardiovascular Medications
Can't Remember which lab goes with Heparin versus Coumadin?
Simply Count on your fingers!
Simply Count on your fingers!
I learned this trick from some nursing-school buddies :)
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This video compares ARBs and ACE inhibitors. Many of the concepts covered in this video (as well as some concepts surrounding those in the video) include:
These medications are used mainly for hypertension (or high blood pressure). They can also be used for heart failure, diabetic nephropathy, and myocardial infarction (MIs) to name a few. ACE stands for Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. ACE inhibitors block the conversion from Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II. Decreased Angiotensin II can result in several things mainly including: vasodilation, decreased blood volume (through the effects on the kidneys) and decreased cardiac vascular remodeling (caused by angiotensin II and aldosterone). Those taking ACE inhibitors usually have a chronic dry cough (this is a common side effect). Many medications that end with -pril are included in the ACE inhibitor group (for example: Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor). ARB stands for Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers. ARBs also decrease the influence of angiotensin II. However, the mechanism of action is different. ARBs do not block the production of angiotensin II, instead they block the action of angiotensin II. Since they both block the effects of angiotensin II, they have similar effects. Those taking ARBs will not have the chronic dry cough (it is not an associated side effect). Many medications that end with -sartan are included in the ARB gourp (for example: Varsartan and Losartan are both ARBs). This video is also an advertisement for simplenursing.com (this website claims to help you pass your nursing exams, it's worth a try if you are interested, they have a lot of good information). |
This video explains some safety guidelines surrounding anticoagulants and thrombolytics. CAUTION: It also has a chorus that will likely get stuck in your head...(but that is kind of the point of my website sooooo view at your own risk).
The basics covered include: Educate your patient regarding the medication they are on. Follow facility safety protocols. Give as directed! Don't get creative with these medications. If given in the wrong dosage or format, hemorrhages or formation of clots are likely to occur. Fibrin is associated with clotting. Follow the 5 rights (right patient, right drug, right dose, right time, Dietary guidelines are important (dark leafy greens need to be addressed). |
This video covers some basics regarding Coumadin. These could include:
Coumadin is also known as warfarin: Coumadin halts coagulation by decreasing production of key clotting factors (factors VII, IX, X, and prothrombin). These factors are known as the "vitamin K-dependent clotting factors," because they need an active form of Vitamin K to be produced. Coumadin makes it so the body is unable to activate Vitamin K, thereby not allowing these clotting factors to be produced. While on Coumadin you need to watch for signs of bleeding. These signs could include: black, tarry stools, bleeding gums, increased amount of bruises noted, blurred vision, reduced BP, and an increased pulse. Vitamin K is given in the event of an overdose (it antagonizes the action of Coumadin). |
Pictures found at Shyness and Social Anxiety Help and nursingmnemonics.blogspot.com
Videos found on Youtube and www.simplenursing.com
Information found in the Youtube vidoes, Davis's Drug Guide, and in Pharmacology for Nursing Care
Videos found on Youtube and www.simplenursing.com
Information found in the Youtube vidoes, Davis's Drug Guide, and in Pharmacology for Nursing Care
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