Angioedema Lab Report

1743 Words7 Pages
• A=ACE inhibitor. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme. This enzyme is responsible for the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II (A2) is a potent vasoconstrictor and it also stimulates the secretion of aldosterone which results in: ↑ blood pressure (A2), sodium and water retention and potassium excretion (aldosterone). An ACE inhibitor medication inhibits the enzyme that allows this conversion to occur, and therefore, decreases blood pressure. Nursing responsibilities prior to administration: Monitor BP and potassium level (for hyperkalemia). A persistent cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors. Angioedema is a rare, but serious side effect. Do not use during pregnancy! Generic names end in “…pril” (i.e.…show more content…
A Class 1A andidysrhythmic. Common side effects: diarrhea and hypotension. Can also cause “cinchonism” which causes blurred vision, tinnitus, and GI upset. Fairly strong anticholinergic effects as well. Usually given po. Only quinidine gluconate can be given IV. • R=Reglan (trade name). Generic name is metoclopramide. The only “prokinetic” (meaning it increases the tone and motility of the GI tract) agent currently available. Used for GERD, N/V, diabetic gastroparesis, and postoperative emesis. A common side effect is DIARRHEA and will likely need to hold the medication if diarrhea occurs. A more troublesome side effect with long-term use is tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder that is usually permanent. • S=“Statins”. Most commonly used class of drugs to lower cholesterol. They decrease the rate of cholesterol production and are generally administered at bedtime since this is when cholesterol is produced in larger amounts. Generally well tolerated. However, can cause myopathy which can lead to rhabdomyolysis. Unexplained muscle pain should be reported. Can also cause an elevation of liver enzymes and these may be monitored periodically. Generally will not see a statin and a fibrate given concurrently due to the increased risk of rhabdomyolysis and…show more content…
Generic name is tramadol. This is a nonopioid analgesic, but it does have weak agonist activity at mu opioid receptors. However, it causes minimal respiratory depression (although the patient should still be monitored for this). Previously was not a controlled substance, but was switched to a schedule IV in 2014. Notable side effect: seizures. Avoid use in clients with or at high risk for seizures. • V=vancomycin (Vancocin). Generally the intravenous antibiotic of choice for MRSA infections. May be given orally to treat C. diff. infections. Effective only against Gm+ organisms. Be alert for “Red Man Syndrome”—rash, flushing, hypotension, etc., generally caused by rapid IV infusion—need to give over at least 60 minutes. Toxicities include ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity most commonly. Trough levels are monitored. • W=warfarin (Coumadin). Oral anticoagulant that antagonizes the effects of vitamin K. Peak effects take several days to develop. PT and INR are tests used to monitor effectiveness. Highly protein bound and subject to MANY drug interactions. Antidote for overdose is vitamin K. • X=Xanax (trade name). Generic name is alprazolam. A benzodiazepine. Used for anxiety, panic disorders, and occasionally for PMS. Drowsiness is a common side effect. May be habit forming. Do not discontinue abruptly after long-term

More about Angioedema Lab Report

Open Document