Overview
This lecture reviews vasodilator medications, their indications, mechanisms, side effects, and nursing responsibilities in monitoring patients who receive these drugs.
Vasodilators: Definition and Examples
- Vasodilators are medications that widen blood vessels (vasodilation).
- Common vasodilators include nitroglycerin, minoxidil, and hydralazine.
Indications for Use
- Treat angina by increasing coronary artery blood flow to the heart muscle.
- Helpful in heart failure by reducing workload on the heart.
- Prescribed for hypertension, coronary artery disease, pulmonary hypertension, and peripheral vascular disease.
Mechanism of Action and Effects
- Vasodilators lower blood pressure by relaxing and widening blood vessels.
- Decrease workload on the heart and vascular system by reducing resistance.
Side Effects
- Can cause hypotension (low blood pressure) and orthostatic hypotension (dizziness when standing).
- May lead to flushing, especially facial redness after nitroglycerin use.
- Headaches (notably with nitroglycerin) are common.
- Other side effects include nausea, vomiting, reflex tachycardia (increased heart rate), and edema (swelling).
Nursing Responsibilities
- Monitor patient’s blood pressure, heart rate, ECG, and watch for flushing or swelling.
- Stay with patients with chest pain after administering vasodilators to assess pain changes.
- Evaluate location, onset, quality, and frequency of chest pain.
- Educate patients to change positions slowly to prevent fainting.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Vasodilation — widening of blood vessels.
- Angina — chest pain from reduced blood flow to the heart.
- Orthostatic Hypotension — drop in blood pressure when standing up.
- Reflex Tachycardia — increased heart rate in response to blood pressure drop.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Monitor vital signs and ECG in patients on vasodilators.
- Educate patients about moving slowly and reporting new or worsening chest pain.
- Review additional pharmacology materials as assigned.