Page 1787 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

C. Interventions

1. Monitor vital signs, especially BP.
2. Sodium nitroprusside
a. Monitor cyanide and thiocyanate levels.
b. Protect from light because the
medication decomposes.
c. When administering, solution must be
covered by a dark bag provided by the
manufacturer and is stable for 24
hours.
d. Discard if the medication is red, green,
or blue.

Vasodilators cause orthostatic

hypotension. Instruct the client about safety
measures when taking these medications, such as
when rising from a lying to a sitting or standing
position slowly.
XV. Miscellaneous Vasodilator
A. Description
1. Nesiritide
a. Recombinant version of human B-type
natriuretic peptide that vasodilates
arteries and veins
b. Used for the treatment of
decompensated heart failure
2. Side and adverse effects
a. Hypotension
b. Confusion
c. Dizziness
d. Dysrhythmias
3. Interventions
a. Administer by continuous IV infusion
via infusion device
b. Monitor BP, cardiac rhythm, urine
output, and body weight.
c. Monitor for signs of resolving heart
failure.
XVI. Antidysrhythmic Medications
A. Description: Antidysrhythmic medications suppress
dysrhythmias by inhibiting abnormal pathways of electrical
conduction through the heart.
B. Class I antidysrhythmics are sodium channel blockers, class II are
beta blockers, class III are potassium channel blockers
(medications that delay repolarization), and class IV are calcium
channel blockers.

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