Cardiovascular Medication
Cardiovascular Medication Assignment (provide the rationale for each of your answer in
order to achieve full credit)
Name:
B.J. is a 50-year-old man who was given a prescription for lisinopril (Zestril) 1 month ago. While
taking the medication, his systolic pressure has averaged between 130 and 138 mm Hg, and his
diastolic pressure has averaged between 80 and 84 mm Hg. When he comes to the clinic today
for follow up, he states that he has a “dry cough” that “drives [him] crazy.” He has also noticed
that he has been “catching every cold that comes along.” He would like to speak with the nurse
about these complaints.
1. What does the nurse suspect is the cause of B.J.’s cough?
2. What does the nurse suspect is the cause of B.J.’s frequent infections?
A.A. is a first day postoperative patient who had an abdominal aortic aneurism repaired with a
synthetic patch. He is sedated and is being monitored very closely to ensure his vital signs
indicate adequate cardiac output and tissue perfusion, especially the kidneys.
1. Why would A.A. have the vasodilator sodium nitroprusside (Nipride) being titrated in a
continuous drip?
2. The family asks why this medicine is wrapped in aluminum foil. What is the nurse’s best
response?
3. A.A. develops bradycardia and petechiae on postoperative day 3. How will the nurse
explain these clinical developments to the family?
S.K. is a 55-year-old woman with diabetes who is being seen in the emergency department for
jaw pain and nausea that began while she was pruning the bushes in front of her house. The
patient is diagnosed with angina. The nurse administers the ordered sublingual nitroglycerin,
and the patient immediately has shortness of breath and breaks out in hives along her neck,
chest, and upper arms. The patient is treated with oral diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and
intravenous (IV) dexamethasone (Decadron), and she recovers without incidence.
1. S.K. asks the nurse how a problem with the heart can manifest as jaw pain and nausea.
How will the nurse respond?
2. The patient asks the nurse, “What am I going to do if I experience more chest pain? Isn’t
nitroglycerin the only medication that treats chest pain?” How will the nurse respond?
3. What type of angina is S.K. experiencing?
4. 2 months later, S.K. is sweeping out her garage when she develops shortness of breath
and becomes diaphoretic. She sits down to rest, and the “heaviness” doesn’t go away.
What would be the priority action?