NCLEX Pharma

• What are ACE Inhibitors also known as?


  Angiotensin Converting Enzymes
• How do ACE Inhibitors affect the body?

  They relax arteries and promote renal excretion of salt and water.
• What is the primary action of ACE Inhibitors on vasculature resistance?

  They reduce vasculature resistance without increasing cardiac output, rate, or contractility.
• What diseases do ACE Inhibitors treat?

  Hypertension and Congestive heart failure.
• What are some side effects of ACE Inhibitors?

  Postural hypotension, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hyperkalemia, insomnia, and angioedema.
• Name some commonly used ACE Inhibitors.

  Benazepril, Captopril, Enalapril, Fosinopril, Lisinopril, Moexipril, and Perindopril.
• What nursing considerations should be taken when administering ACE Inhibitors?

  • Monitor electrolytes due to potassium retention.
  • Elderly clients are at higher risk for postural hypotension.
  • Instruct clients not to abruptly discontinue medications.
  • Monitor blood pressure frequently.
  • Use caution in clients with impaired renal function.
  • Notify physicians if dizziness persists.
• What is the normal range for calcium in mg/dL?

  1. 8 - 10.3 mg/dL
• What is the normal range for potassium in mmol/L?

  1. 6 - 5.2 mmol/L
• What are the desirable outcomes when a client is on ACE Inhibitors?

  • Blood pressures controlled within normal limits.
  • Improved survival rates for clients suffering from acute MI.
  • Decreased workload on the cardiovascular system.
  • Decrease or absence of chest pain.
• What is a common suffix for ACE Inhibitors?

  • pril (e.g., Ramipril, Quinapril, Trandolapril)
• Why should medications not be taken immediately after eating?

  Because the drug's absorption will be decreased if taken with food.
• Which statement indicates the need for further teaching for a client taking Lisinopril?

  “I will take the medication with my Spironolactone.”
• Which side effects should a nurse enumerate when discussing ACE Inhibitors?

  Headache, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, and loss of consciousness.
• What statement from Mrs. Rose would warrant notification of the attending physician?

  “I have been feeling dizzy for three days now.”
• What potassium level would require notifying the physician for Mrs. Sommers taking Fosinopril?

  Potassium 12 mEq/L
• What should the nurse do first if Mrs. Jones' blood pressure is 80/50 after taking Ramipril?

  Elevate her legs by adjusting the bed and placing her on a Trendelenburg position.
• What is the primary function of Alpha Blockers?

  They help relax certain muscles and keep small blood vessels open.
• What happens when Alpha Blockers block norepinephrine's effect?

  The vessels will remain open and relaxed.
• What diseases do Alpha Blockers treat?

  Hypertension, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Raynaud’s Disease, and Pheochromocytoma.
• What are some side effects of Alpha Blockers?

  Nausea, drowsiness, nasal congestion, weight gain, edema, orthostatic hypotension, and sodium and water retention.
• What nursing considerations should be taken when administering Alpha Blockers?

  • Monitor fluid retention, edema, and blood pressure.
  • Avoid over-the-counter medications.
  • Decrease salt intake.
  • Breathe deeply before standing to avoid orthostatic hypotension.
• What are the expected outcomes when a client is using Alpha Blockers?

  • Correctly maintained renal blood flow.
  • Reduction in symptoms of BPH and improved urine flow rates.
  • Decreased blood pressure within 15 minutes following oral administration in hypertensive clients.
• What is the common suffix for Alpha Blockers?


  • zosin (e.g., Alfuzosin, Prazosin, Tamsulosin)
• Why are Alpha Blockers not preferred as the first treatment option for high blood pressure?


  Because they are typically not effective enough on their own.
• What are the common side effects of ARBs?

  Headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, nasal congestion, vomiting, diarrhea, back and leg pain, hyperkalemia, and angioedema.
• What should clients be educated about when taking ARBs?

  They should not be taken by pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers and should be used cautiously in clients with hypovolemia, hepatic or renal dysfunction.
• What are the possible outcomes when ARBs are taken correctly?

  Prevention and treatment of diabetic nephropathy, decrease in sodium and potassium retention, decrease in the heart’s workload, and better improvement for clients intolerant to ACE Inhibitors.
• What is the common suffix for ARBs?

  • sartan (e.g., Candesartan, Eprosartan, Irbesartan)
• What is the pregnancy category for ARBs?

  PREGNANCY CATEGORY D
• What potassium level should alert the nurse for a client taking Cozaar?

  Potassium 9 mEq/L
• What should the nurse instruct the client to watch out for while taking ARBs?

  Angioedema.
• What should be done if a client taking Olmesartan develops a dry cough?

  Discontinue taking the medicine.
• What is the normal range for sodium in mEq/L?

  135 - 145 mEq/L
• What is the normal range for magnesium in mEq/L?

  1. 6 - 2.4 mEq/L
• What is the normal range for chloride in mEq/L?

  95 - 107 mEq/L
• What is the normal range for phosphate in mg/dL?

  1. 5 - 4.5 mg/dL
• What is the normal range for ionized calcium in mEq/L?

  1. 24 - 2.46 mEq/L
• What is the normal range for creatinine in mg/dL?

  0.6 - 1.2 mg/dL
• What is the normal range for BUN in mg/dL?

  7 - 20 mg/dL