NR 341 Cardiovascular & Critical Care Nursing Guide | Hypotension, Hypertension, Fluid Resuscitation, IV Bolus, Vasoconstriction, Vasodilation, Norepinephrine, Epinephrine, Dopamine (Low/Medium/High Dose), Milrinone, Nitro Patch, Sublingual Nitroglycerin,

NR 341 Cardiovascular & Critical Care Nursing Guide | Hypotension, Hypertension, Fluid Resuscitation, IV Bolus, Vasoconstriction, Vasodilation, Norepinephrine, Epinephrine, Dopamine (Low/Medium/High Dose), Milrinone, Nitro Patch, Sublingual Nitroglycerin, Clonidine, Calcium Channel Blockers, ACE Inhibitors, ARBs, Beta Blockers, Digoxin, Digoxin Toxicity, Digibind, Antidotes, Aspirin, Antiplatelet Therapy, IV Infiltration Management, Cardiac Monitoring, Telemetry, ICU Medications, Hemodynamic Support, Shock Management, Chest Pain Protocols, Angina Interventions, CPR, ACLS, Pulseless VT, VFib, Cardioversion, Defibrillation, Oxygen Therapy, Morphine, Morphine Safety, Pain Management, Electrolyte Monitoring, Potassium-Sparing Diuretics, Spironolactone, Renal Dose Dopamine, Cyanide Poisoning (Nipride), Metabolic Acidosis, Orthostatic Hypotension Exam Questions Verified and Provided with Complete A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026 What is the first line treatment for hypo- and hypertension? Fluid management. *Use of meds without treating hypo- or hypervolemia will be ineffective and potentially dangerous* You have a patient with hypotension, what order do you anticipate getting from the doctor? IV bolus of normal saline (try fluids before giving medications) You have a patient with hypertension, what order do you anticipate receiving from the doctor? Diuretics to pull fluids off of the patient (try diuretics before antihypertensive medications) Why do you try to manipulate a patient's fluids prior to administering medications? All medications have side effects so it's safer to try and manipulate fluids first. What happens during vasoconstriction? Medications that act on the receptors of the thin lining of tissue inside the blood vessels constrict and increase BP What happens during vasodilation? The blood vessels open up and decrease BP Nursing considerations for administering a cardiac IV medication -Should be given via a central line -Potent medications that need to be diluted when given -Usually restricted to an ICU setting -Patient must be on a telemetry monitor What is the effect of norepinephrine (Levophed)? Norepinephrine is a potent vasoconstrictor that increases BP Why do we give any type of pressor medication? The patient most likely is in shock and lost a lot of blood. Titrated to a certain parameter set by the HCP to keep MAP above 65 (that tells us that the kidneys and brain are well perfused)