Medications: Key Concepts, Nursing
Considerations, and Monitoring Guide
Rationales Graded A+
Beta Blockers
e.g., Metoprolol, Atenolol, Propranolol; ↓ Heart rate, ↓ BP, ↓ myocardial workload
Beta Blockers - Position Change
Change positions slowly (orthostatic hypotension)
Beta Blockers - Stopping Medication
Do not stop abruptly (rebound hypertension/tachycardia)
Beta Blockers - Monitoring
Monitor HR & BP before taking
Beta Blockers - Adverse Effects
Adverse: Bradycardia, fatigue, bronchospasm (avoid in asthma/COPD)
ACE Inhibitors
e.g., Lisinopril, Enalapril, Captopril; Blocks angiotensin I → II → vasodilation, ↓ BP
ACE Inhibitors - Cough
Report persistent dry cough
ACE Inhibitors - Monitoring
Monitor BP and potassium
ACE Inhibitors - Potassium
Avoid potassium supplements and salt substitutes
ACE Inhibitors - Adverse Effects
Adverse: Hyperkalemia, angioedema, hypotension
Calcium Channel Blockers