Term
| What are the signs and symptoms of Lanoxin (digoxin) toxicity? |
|
Definition
Bradycardia
Anorexia
Blurred Vision
Confusion |
|
|
Term
| Lanozin (digoxin) also relies on which of the major electrolytes to do its work effectively? |
|
Definition
| Potassium, Too little K+ decreases the effectiveness of digoxin (Lanoxin). |
|
|
Term
| Is it important to take a pulse and blood pressure prior to the administration of digoxin (Lanoxin)? Why? |
|
Definition
Yes, one of the adverse effects of Lanoxin or digoxin toxicity is bradycardia or slow heart rate or heart block.
Special Note: Bradycardia or heart block can cause low blood pressure.
It is also a good habit to automatically take pulse and blood pressure with any cardiac drug prior to administration. |
|
|
Term
| In evaluating pulse and blood pressure prior to administering any cardiac related drug, how long should you take a pulse? |
|
Definition
1 full minute.
Special Note: THe slower a cardiac rhythm is the more likely it is to be irregular.
Remember that a heart rate lower that 60 is typically when most cardiac drugs are held.
A blood pressure of less than 100/60 requires evaluating whether to give a cardiac medication. |
|
|
Term
| Patients who are on digoxin or Lanoxin need to make sure that they are consuming enough potassium rich foods. One of the best sources of potassium is bananas. So unless they are on a potassium supplement, they need to consume a 1/2 to a whole banana day. |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
A medication called Quindex has a synergistic relationship with Lanoxin (digoxin).
If a patient is placed on Lanoxin would the dosage of Quindex need to increased or decreased? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What are the major signs and symptoms of right sided heart failure? |
|
Definition
Peripheral edema (leg, ankle swelling)
Abdominal edema (ascites) |
|
|
Term
| What are the major signs and symptoms of left sided heart failure? |
|
Definition
Shortness of breath (SOB)
dyspnea
othropnea-which is directly realted to congestion to the lungs by fluid backing up into them. |
|
|
Term
| Why is it important to weigh a patient with heart failure or congestive heart failure? (Rt sided or Lt sided) |
|
Definition
Patients with heart failure cannot handle fluid well, they tend to have edema. Weighing the patient daily helps to keep tract of how much fluid has been retained each 24 hours.
Typically a weight gain of 3 lbs. in 24 hours is significant and if occurs, the patient should be instructed to call their doctor! |
|
|
Term
| What are the major disease processes that can lead to the development of heart failure or congestive heart failure? |
|
Definition
hypertenstion
diabetes
myocardial infarctions
(CAD coronary artery disease) |
|
|
Term
| Dysrhythmias are abnormalities of what? |
|
Definition
| The heart's electrical conduction system |
|
|
Term
| Nitrates or nitroglycerin compunds include? |
|
Definition
Nitroglycerin
Nitrostat
Nitro-Bid
Nitro-Dur patches
Isosorbide
Isordil
Imdur
Ismo |
|
|
Term
| A patient you are caring for is taking several different cardiac medications including nitrates. Should this patient also be taking viagra? |
|
Definition
NO
Viagra is a vasodilator, so are nitrate medications. In combination they could cause a massive drop in blood pressure that could lead to a heart attack or stroke. |
|
|
Term
| A patient you are caring for is taking several different cardiac medications including nitrates. Should this patient also be taking viagra? |
|
Definition
NO
Viagra is a vasodilator, so are nitrate medications. In combination they could cause a massive drop in blood pressure that could lead to a heart attack or stroke. |
|
|
Term
| What is the most common complaint by patients about nitroglycerin? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
If you are administering a Nitro-Stat medication, you are placing it between the cheek and the gum. The placement is called?
If you place medication under the tongue this is called? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| If a patient is prescribed nitro-stat for under the tongue use, what are some of the special instructions that you should give? |
|
Definition
Store the medication in the same bottle it comes in (dark colered container, can not be exposed to light)
Cap needs to be on tight (sensitive to moisture) |
|
|
Term
| You are instructing a patient on how to take nitroglycerin sublingually. You advise them to take 1 pill and wait how long? |
|
Definition
Wait 5 minutes then repeat.
Be sure that you advise them to either lie down or sit down.
They can take up to 3 total over 15 minutes.
If no resolution of the pain need to call 911. |
|
|
Term
| A patient has a nitro patch that has just fell off. He wants to take a shower but is worried that he needs to replace the nitro patch before he goes to the shower. Is it necessary to replace it immediately? |
|
Definition
No, the medication effect will last approximately 30 minutes.
In addition, if it si the appropriate time to remove the patch (prior to bed) it may be left till awakening to decrease the potential for drug tolerance. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
