3/25/26, 3:05 PM
PHARMACOLOGY DRUGS for ATI test, ATI LPN
Pharmacology Proctored Exam Review
Receptors Norepinephrine-Adrenergic (adrenergic comes from the word adrenalin)
Alpha 1-all sympathetic target organs except the heart-constrict the blood vessels and
dilation of pupils
Alpha 2-Presynaptic adrenergic nerve terminal-inhibits the release of norepinephrine
Beta 1-Heart and Kidneys (BETA 1-ONE HEART)-increased heart rate and force of
contraction, release of renin
Beta 2-All sympathetic target organs-inhibits smooth muscle (BETA 2-TWO LUNGS)
1/25
,3/25/26, 3:05 PM
Beta blockers/olol's Beta-Adrenergic Blockers
Metoprolol/Lopressor ENDING OLOL
Beta Blockers are use with heart failure, hypertension, angina and with myocardial
infarctions.
Action = Blocks Beta-Receptors in the heart causing...
Decreases = HR, force of contraction, Rate of atrioventricular (AV) conduction
SE = Bradycardia, lethargy, GI disturbance, congestive heart failure, decrease BP,
depression
The beta blockers stop sympathetic nervous system stimulation of the heart. Does not
allow the heart rate and blood pressure to rise with stress thus lowering the oxygen
demand of the heart. It is very heart protective!
Will slow the heart rate and lower the blood pressure
Can have beta 2 blockage with larger doses-will constrict the bronchioles-watch for
clients with known COPD, Asthma
Nursing Interventions
Check pulse-needs to be 60 or above
Check blood pressure-if hypotensive do not give (Systolic below 100 is a good rule of
thumb I go by)
Monitor for sexual dysfunction-impotence for men-a good reason for non-compliance
Drowsiness/Fatigue-operating heavy machinery, driving could put client at risk
Insomnia-
Contraindicated with Heart Blocks, Bradycardia, Worsening Heart Failure
Increases Hypoglycemic effect of Insulin-monitor blood sugars and for hypoglycemia,
may need to lower insulin dosage
Beta Blockers have to be weaned slowly to prevent rebound hypertension and
tachycardia-if a client wants to stop his beta-blocker they need to contract their physician
2/25
, 3/25/26, 3:05 PM
CCB,/calcium channel blockers Nifedipine/Adalat/Procardia/Norvasc-controls blood vessels
Diltiazem/Cardizem
Verapamil/Calan/Isoptin/Verelan-controls heart rate and blood vessels
Angina/Raynaud's/Vasospastic Angina/Atrial Arrhythmia's
Blocks calcium channels in the myocardial and vascular smooth muscles, decreases the
contraction of smooth muscle-relaxes the arteries-vasodilation. Blocking of calcium
channels in the SA and AV node-Slows conduction through the SA and AV node.
Decreases the force of contraction slows heart rate
Grapefruit juice may increase absorption of nifedipine
Side Effects: Relaxes smooth muscle and cardiac muscle-
Headache
Dizziness-Take lying, sitting and standing B/P, educate client to sit and stand slowly
Peripheral edema-assess for edema, monitor for worsening (diuretic)
Flushing
Reflex tachycardia-monitor for elevated heart rate (may need a BB)
Constipation-increase fibers and fluids (if not restricted) stool softener
Fatigue-Due to low heart rate-monitor EKG, pulse rate and rhythm
Weakness-Monitor B/P and Heart Rate
Impotence and sexual dysfunction-Discuss possibility with client-have client to call and
not just to stop medications
Hepatotoxicity-ALT, AST, ALK PHOS, Bilirubin
MI-Monitor for chest pain, dyspnea, increases fatigue, weakness
CHF-Monitor for chest pain, dyspnea, edema, increasing weight, decreasing output,
increasing HR and B/P
Angioedema-edema in face, throat, trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, thickened
tongue
Grapefruit juice may increase absorption of nifedipine
Acute Toxicity
With an overdose or overmedicated
Gastric lavage
Monitor EKG-bradycardia-widening QRS, hypotension
Norepinephrine to treat hypotension and decreased cardiac contractility
Atropine or Isoproterenol-Bradycardia and Cardiac Blocks
Verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin Verelan)
Class IV antidysrhythmic
3/25
PHARMACOLOGY DRUGS for ATI test, ATI LPN
Pharmacology Proctored Exam Review
Receptors Norepinephrine-Adrenergic (adrenergic comes from the word adrenalin)
Alpha 1-all sympathetic target organs except the heart-constrict the blood vessels and
dilation of pupils
Alpha 2-Presynaptic adrenergic nerve terminal-inhibits the release of norepinephrine
Beta 1-Heart and Kidneys (BETA 1-ONE HEART)-increased heart rate and force of
contraction, release of renin
Beta 2-All sympathetic target organs-inhibits smooth muscle (BETA 2-TWO LUNGS)
1/25
,3/25/26, 3:05 PM
Beta blockers/olol's Beta-Adrenergic Blockers
Metoprolol/Lopressor ENDING OLOL
Beta Blockers are use with heart failure, hypertension, angina and with myocardial
infarctions.
Action = Blocks Beta-Receptors in the heart causing...
Decreases = HR, force of contraction, Rate of atrioventricular (AV) conduction
SE = Bradycardia, lethargy, GI disturbance, congestive heart failure, decrease BP,
depression
The beta blockers stop sympathetic nervous system stimulation of the heart. Does not
allow the heart rate and blood pressure to rise with stress thus lowering the oxygen
demand of the heart. It is very heart protective!
Will slow the heart rate and lower the blood pressure
Can have beta 2 blockage with larger doses-will constrict the bronchioles-watch for
clients with known COPD, Asthma
Nursing Interventions
Check pulse-needs to be 60 or above
Check blood pressure-if hypotensive do not give (Systolic below 100 is a good rule of
thumb I go by)
Monitor for sexual dysfunction-impotence for men-a good reason for non-compliance
Drowsiness/Fatigue-operating heavy machinery, driving could put client at risk
Insomnia-
Contraindicated with Heart Blocks, Bradycardia, Worsening Heart Failure
Increases Hypoglycemic effect of Insulin-monitor blood sugars and for hypoglycemia,
may need to lower insulin dosage
Beta Blockers have to be weaned slowly to prevent rebound hypertension and
tachycardia-if a client wants to stop his beta-blocker they need to contract their physician
2/25
, 3/25/26, 3:05 PM
CCB,/calcium channel blockers Nifedipine/Adalat/Procardia/Norvasc-controls blood vessels
Diltiazem/Cardizem
Verapamil/Calan/Isoptin/Verelan-controls heart rate and blood vessels
Angina/Raynaud's/Vasospastic Angina/Atrial Arrhythmia's
Blocks calcium channels in the myocardial and vascular smooth muscles, decreases the
contraction of smooth muscle-relaxes the arteries-vasodilation. Blocking of calcium
channels in the SA and AV node-Slows conduction through the SA and AV node.
Decreases the force of contraction slows heart rate
Grapefruit juice may increase absorption of nifedipine
Side Effects: Relaxes smooth muscle and cardiac muscle-
Headache
Dizziness-Take lying, sitting and standing B/P, educate client to sit and stand slowly
Peripheral edema-assess for edema, monitor for worsening (diuretic)
Flushing
Reflex tachycardia-monitor for elevated heart rate (may need a BB)
Constipation-increase fibers and fluids (if not restricted) stool softener
Fatigue-Due to low heart rate-monitor EKG, pulse rate and rhythm
Weakness-Monitor B/P and Heart Rate
Impotence and sexual dysfunction-Discuss possibility with client-have client to call and
not just to stop medications
Hepatotoxicity-ALT, AST, ALK PHOS, Bilirubin
MI-Monitor for chest pain, dyspnea, increases fatigue, weakness
CHF-Monitor for chest pain, dyspnea, edema, increasing weight, decreasing output,
increasing HR and B/P
Angioedema-edema in face, throat, trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, thickened
tongue
Grapefruit juice may increase absorption of nifedipine
Acute Toxicity
With an overdose or overmedicated
Gastric lavage
Monitor EKG-bradycardia-widening QRS, hypotension
Norepinephrine to treat hypotension and decreased cardiac contractility
Atropine or Isoproterenol-Bradycardia and Cardiac Blocks
Verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin Verelan)
Class IV antidysrhythmic
3/25
