Author Question: After reviewing M.G.'s medications, the physician writes the following medication orders. ... (Read 78 times)

notis · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

After reviewing M.G.'s medications, the physician writes the following medication orders.

Medication Orders
Enalapril (Vasotec) 5 mg PO bid
Carvedilol (Coreg) 3.125 mg PO twice daily
Glipizide (Glucotrol) 10 mg PO every morning
Furosemide (Lasix) 80 mg intravenous push (IVP) now, then 40 mg/day IVP
Potassium chloride (K-Dur) 20 mEq/day PO

What is the rationale for changing the route of the furosemide (Lasix)?

Question 2

How do angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as enalapril (Vasotec), work to reduce HF? Select all that apply. ACE inhibitors:

a. prevent the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II.
b. cause systemic vasodilation.
c. promote the excretion of sodium and water in the renal tubules.
d. reduce preload and afterload.
e. increase cardiac contractility.
f. block sympathetic nervous system stimulation to the heart.

poopface · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

M.G. is fluid overloaded and needs to decrease fluid volume in a short period. Intravenous
administration is delivered directly into the vascular system, where it can start to work immediately.
In HF, blood flow to the entire gastrointestinal (GI) system is compromised; therefore the absorption
of orally ingested medications may be variable and take longer to work.

Answer to Question 2

Answers: a, b, d
ACE inhibitors prevent the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor.
This results in systemic vasodilation, thereby reducing preload (reducing the volume of blood
entering the left ventricle) and afterload (reducing the resistance to the left ventricular contraction)
in patients with HF. ACE inhibitors do not promote the excretion of sodium and water, and they do
not cause increased cardiac contractility or block the sympathetic nervous system to the heart.