Perfusion Drug Tool

Names:
Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
Furosemide (Lasix)
Spironolactone (Aldactone)

MOA: Increase urine output of the kidneys by altering sodium, fluid, and potassium [for potassium-sparing diuretics]. Inhibits reabsorption of sodium, fluid, and potassium, based on the diuretic.

Nursing Interventions:
Monitor electrolytes (Na, K) and their imbalances’ clinical manifestations
Assess fluid status
Assess muscle weakness, skin turgor, mucous membranes
Hypertension: monitor BP + pulse before and during administration
Increased ICP: Monitor neurological status
Increased intraocular pressure

Names:
Selective:
Metoprolol (Lopressor)
Atenolol (Tenormin)

Non selective:
Carvedilol (Coreg)
Labetalol (Trandate)
Propranolol (Inderal)

MOA: Lowers BP and regulates other health conditions by inhibiting the effects of adrenalines (epinephrine, norepinephrine) on the heart and blood vessels

Nursing Interventions:
Monitor BP
Monitor for symptoms of heart failure (dyspnea, jugular venous distention, cracklesales, etc.)
Assess number of and severity of angina (chest pain)
Monitor I/O’s and daily weights

Names:
Amlodipine (Norvasc)
Diltiazem (Cardizem)
Verapamil (Isoptin)

MOA: Lowers BP and slows heart rate by stopping calcium from entering the cells of the heart and arteries, allowing blood vessels to open.

Nursing Interventions:
Monitor BP & heart rate
Monitor for symptoms of heart failure (dyspnea, jugular venous distention, cracklesales, etc.)
Avoid grapefruit juice

Names:
Captopril (Capoten)
Enalapril (Vasotec)
Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)

MOA: Lowers BP by inhibiting the conversion of Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II (vasoconstrictor).

Nursing Interventions:
Assess BP & pulse
Monitor labs (K, BUN, Creatinine)
Monitor for renal failure
Monitor for angioedema
Monitor for dry cough, dizziness

Names:
Losartan (Cozaar)
Valsartan (Diovan)

MOA:Decreases BP by blocking the activation of the Angiotensin II receptor type 1 sites and decreases the secretion of aldosterone

Nursing Interventions:
Assess BP & pulse
Monitor labs (K, BUN, Creatinine)
Monitor for renal failure
Monitor for angioedema
Monitor for dry cough, dizziness

Names:
Hydralazine (Apresoline)
Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)

MOA: Decreases BP by relaxing/widening the blood vessels, which leads to a decrease in blood pressure, and improved blood flow to the body

Nursing Interventions:
Monitor BP and blood levels of certain dogs
ECG monitoring
Assess for flushing and swelling
Assess chest pain
Educate patient on positioning to prevent dizziness

Names:
Heparin
LMWH
Warfarin

MOA: Slows down coagulation process, but does not dissolve existing clots, only prevents clots from becoming bigger and future clots

Nursing Interventions:
Monitor CBC and platelet count, PTT and PT/IRN
Assess for bleeding and bruising, especially in urine, stool, and gums
Monitor BP and heart rate

Names:
Aspirin
Clopidogrel

MOA: Prevents formation of harmful blood clots by preventing platelets from clumping together, which create clots

Nursing Interventions:
Monitor for bleeding
Assess for GI distress
Monitor platelet count, hemoglobin, hematocrit levels