This 9-page printable study guide covers the three cardiovascular drug classes nursing students are tested on most: beta blockers, ACE inhibitors and diuretics. Each class is explained from the underlying physiology through to nursing care. Drug profiles are set out in clear tables with interventions and rationales, patient teaching and evaluation.

What’s included:

Adrenergic receptors table (beta-1, beta-2, alpha-1), which explains cardioselective vs. nonselective beta blockers
Beta blockers:
cardioselective, nonselective and alpha/beta subgroups
full drug profile
pre-dose assessment diagram (apical pulse, blood pressure, hold parameters)
metoprolol tartrate vs. succinate
overdose
ACE inhibitors:
renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system explained
full drug profile
angioedema nursing alert
comparison table of ACE inhibitors, ARBs and sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto)
Diuretics:
nephron diagram showing where loop, thiazide, potassium-sparing, osmotic and carbonic anhydrase inhibitor diuretics act
drug profiles for loop, thiazide and potassium-sparing diuretics
electrolyte effects table (potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, uric acid, glucose)
Drug interactions table: digoxin, NSAIDs, lithium, potassium, verapamil/diltiazem, insulin and aminoglycosides
6 NCLEX-style review questions with answers and rationales