Nitroglycerin, the drug of choice to relieve acute angina, relaxes peripheral venous and arterial smooth muscle to decrease venous return to the heart and thus myocardial oxygen consumption and workload. Dilation of the coronary vessels helps redistribute blood flow to ischemic heart tissue. Dilation of the peripheral vessels reduces hypertension. Because this vasodilation decreases venous return to the heart, nitroglycerin may be used to treat heart failure. Diuretics are prescribed to treat hypertension or eliminate edema caused by heart failure.
Most diuretics increase urine output by blocking reabsorption of sodium and chloride.
Preparing for discharge After 5 days, Mrs. Fitch is ready to go home. Now that you've taught Mrs. Fitch about her medication regimen and ways to improve her cardiac health, she's ready to take the necessary steps to prevent further problems. Last accessed on April 2, 2001. The Institute is a provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, provider number 5264, for 2.0 contact hours. Any commercial product presented or displayed within the educational activity is not indicative of endorsement or approval by the Institute.