NURS 365 Nursing Science (2025–
2026) Test 2 Hypertension & Angina
Pharmacology Study Guide (Virginia
Commonwealth University)
, Drugs for Hypertension (Angina)
Monitoring for all drugs that affect BP
Monitor
- Blood pressure
- HR
- Intake and output/ electrolytes
- ECG (underline cardiac issues)
- Weight (BMI) for fluids
- Report symptoms of weight gain, edema, SOB
Review/ monitor lifestyle modification
- Sodium restrictions
- DASH diet
- Alcohol restriction
Arterial pressure (hypertension) = Cardiac output (determine Blood volume) x peripheral
resistance (vasoconstriction)
First- line antihypertensive drugs - (ACE inhibitors ‘prils’) (ARBs ‘sartans’) (Calcium
channel blockers ‘pines’) (Thiazide diuretics often used for hypertension in combo w/ other
meds)
RASS system
Liver produces angiotensinogen > decreases BP, ECF, decrease renal perfusion > release
Renin by kidney > Angiotensin 1 > ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) released by lung >
Angiotensin 2 > release of aldosterone by adrenal cortex > effects kidneys > increase sodium
and water retention, increase extracellular fluid, increase BP, Vasoconstriction of arterioles bc of
angiotensin 2
Hypertension = Volume x Vasoconstriction
Medication we use can have effect on volume or vasoconstriction
● Volume -
- Diuretics : want to decrease volume and fluid overload med to use
- Block aldosterone (decrease fluid retention) : ACE, ARBs, Potassium-sparing
diuretics, direct renin inhibitors
● Vasoconstriction
- ACE (they stop production of Angiotensin 2 by inhibiting ACE enzyme)
- ARBs (prevent angiotensin 2 from binding to make Aldosteron)
First line Drugs
● ACE and ARBs - acts on RAAS system (blocks angio 1 and 2) reduction of blood
volume and are vasodilators
● Calcium channel blockers > vasodilators
2026) Test 2 Hypertension & Angina
Pharmacology Study Guide (Virginia
Commonwealth University)
, Drugs for Hypertension (Angina)
Monitoring for all drugs that affect BP
Monitor
- Blood pressure
- HR
- Intake and output/ electrolytes
- ECG (underline cardiac issues)
- Weight (BMI) for fluids
- Report symptoms of weight gain, edema, SOB
Review/ monitor lifestyle modification
- Sodium restrictions
- DASH diet
- Alcohol restriction
Arterial pressure (hypertension) = Cardiac output (determine Blood volume) x peripheral
resistance (vasoconstriction)
First- line antihypertensive drugs - (ACE inhibitors ‘prils’) (ARBs ‘sartans’) (Calcium
channel blockers ‘pines’) (Thiazide diuretics often used for hypertension in combo w/ other
meds)
RASS system
Liver produces angiotensinogen > decreases BP, ECF, decrease renal perfusion > release
Renin by kidney > Angiotensin 1 > ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) released by lung >
Angiotensin 2 > release of aldosterone by adrenal cortex > effects kidneys > increase sodium
and water retention, increase extracellular fluid, increase BP, Vasoconstriction of arterioles bc of
angiotensin 2
Hypertension = Volume x Vasoconstriction
Medication we use can have effect on volume or vasoconstriction
● Volume -
- Diuretics : want to decrease volume and fluid overload med to use
- Block aldosterone (decrease fluid retention) : ACE, ARBs, Potassium-sparing
diuretics, direct renin inhibitors
● Vasoconstriction
- ACE (they stop production of Angiotensin 2 by inhibiting ACE enzyme)
- ARBs (prevent angiotensin 2 from binding to make Aldosteron)
First line Drugs
● ACE and ARBs - acts on RAAS system (blocks angio 1 and 2) reduction of blood
volume and are vasodilators
● Calcium channel blockers > vasodilators
