Type/Medications

Diuretics
Loop (Ex: furosemide
(Lasix) &
Thiazide (Ex:
hydrochlorothiazide
(HCTZ)
Both inhibit
reabsorption of Na, Cl,
K, resulting in osmotic
water loss
Potassium Sparing
(Aldosterone Receptor
Blocker)
(Ex: spironolactone
(aldactone)
Inhibits the excretion
of K while reducing
fluid volume

Beta-blockers
Example: metoprolol
(Lopressor)

Major Action
Decreasing circulating
volume by increasing
urine output
Treat hypertension
Remove edema fluids
Prevent renal failure

Contraindications
Caution with K+
sparing diuretics:
Not given with K
supplements or with
another K sparing
diuretic
If patients also taking
ACEIs

Nursing
Interventions
VS, labs, I&O, weight
daily
Monitor for symptoms
of F&E imbalance,
edema

Counteracts
Use caution g

baroreceptor reflex
Asthma: non-selective
i HR & contractility i CO

agents may cause

i Reflex tachycardia
bronchospasm
Diabetes: may depress
i Vasoconstriction &
tachycardia assocd w/
volume expansion
hypoglycemia
i SVR

Check HR & BP prior

to administration.
Check for
drowsiness, sleep
&/or sexual
dysfunction

Angiotensin Inhibitors Counteracts RAAS

Caution if used with K

sparing diuretics or
salt substitutes

Check BP prior to
administration
Monitor for
intractable cough,
hyperkalemia

Angiotensin Inhibitors Counteracts RAAS

Caution if used with K

sparing diuretic

Check BP prior to
administration
May take weeks for
full effect
Monitor for
hyperkalemia

Use with caution if pt

has heart block

Check BP & HR prior

to administration
Monitor labs, I&O
Grapefruit h blood
levels & drug
effects

ACEIs
o Example:
benazepril
(Lotensin)

ARBs
Blocks action of AT-II
o Example:
Vasodilation g i SVR, h
losartan (Cozaar)
blood flow
i Fluid volumeg i CO

Calcium Channel
Blockers

Blocks formation of AT-II

Vasodilation g i SVR, h
blood flow
i Fluid volumeg i CO

Example: nifedipine
(Procardia)

Blocks extracellular
calcium into cells g
Dilation of arterioles
Heart
HR, AV conduction,
force of contraction
Blood vessels
SVR