NURS 210 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Intracranial Pressure, Palpitations, Stroke Volume
Document Summary
Used to treat htn, often with thiazide or loop diuretic. Parenteral form used to treat severe htn. Given in hospital setting, often after ischemic stroke. Parenteral route- rapid onset, peak in 5-10 minutes. Nonspecific adrenergic blocker(beta 1,2; alpha 1 only) Alpha 1 blockade results in peripheral vasodilation, decrease in standing bp. Beta blockade prevents reflex tachycardia, exercise induced tachycardia and. Orthostatic hypotension, 2-4 hrs. after 1st dose or following change in dose. Administer with food; increased bioavailability of drug. When giving iv monitor vital sign q 5-10 minutes. Iv infusion must be delivered on a pump. Taper dosage when discontinuing oral form (1-2 weeks) Not used as monotherapy; is secondary drug. Transdermal; released at constant rate for 7 days. Stimulate alpha 2 receptors in medulla oblongata; sns is inhibited. Result is reduction in heart rate, bp, vasoconstriction, renal vascular resistance. Lying and standing blood pressures affected equally. Sometimes given with diuretic to increase antihypertensive effect.
