PharmacologyLesson 2 of 2 in the course Antihypertensive and Antianginal Drugs

Nitrate Pharmacology: Actions, Uses, Safety, and Client Teaching

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 4 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Nitrates are vasodilating drugs used to treat angina and several cardiovascular conditions. This lesson explains how they affect the heart and blood vessels, why they are prescribed, and how their different forms are used.

Nitrates relax the smooth muscle in blood vessel walls, causing vasodilation. Dilating blood vessels can improve blood flow through the coronary vessels and support oxygen supply to the heart. Nitrates also reduce the heart’s workload and the body’s demand for oxygen.

All flashcards

How do nitrates affect vascular smooth muscle?
They relax it, widening blood vessels and potentially improving coronary blood flow.
How can nitrates reduce cardiac oxygen demand?
They reduce preload and afterload, lowering the heart’s workload.
What is nitroglycerin spray used for?
It is a short-acting form used on the oral mucosa for an angina episode, as prescribed.
What is a nitrate-free interval for a nitroglycerin patch intended to help prevent?
Nitrate tolerance.
What forms are available for isosorbide mononitrate?
Immediate-release and extended-release oral tablets.

Quiz questions

  1. Why should nitrates not be combined with PDE inhibitors such as sildenafil?Answer: The combination can cause profound hypotension and cardiac decompensation.
  2. Which serious toxicity can result from dose-related cyanide production during nitroprusside infusion?Answer: Potentially lethal cyanide toxicity.
  3. Why may a prescribed daily nitrate-free interval be included with patch therapy?Answer: To help reduce the development of nitrate tolerance.
  4. What should a client do if chest pain persists after using prescribed sublingual nitroglycerin?Answer: Seek emergency help, following the prescribed emergency plan.
  5. What is an important purpose of close monitoring during intravenous nitrate therapy?Answer: To detect severe or rapid decreases in blood pressure.

Based on Pharmacology for Nurses by Tina Barbour-Taylor, Leah Mueller (Sabato), Donna Paris, Dorie Weaver (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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