Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) PREGNANCY CATEGORY D Therapeutic actions ARBs selectively block the binding of angiotensin II to specific tissue receptors found in the vascular smooth muscle and adrenal…
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors PREGNANCY CATEGORY D Therapeutic actions ACE inhibitors block ACE in the lungs from converting angiotensin I, activated when renin is released from the kidneys, to angiotensin…
Aminoglycosides PREGNANCY CATEGORY D Therapeutic Actions Aminoglycosides are antibiotics that are bactericidal. They inhibit protein synthesis in susceptible strains of gram-negative bacteria and appear to disrupt the functional integrity of…
Alpha1-Adrenergic Blockers PREGNANCY CATEGORY C Therapeutic actions Alpha1-adrenergic blockers selectively block postsynaptic alpha1-adrenergic receptors, decreasing sympathetic tone on the vasculature, dilating arterioles and veins, and lowering both supine and standing…
Alkylating Drugs Dangerous Drug PREGNANCY CATEGORY D Therapeutic Actions Alkylating drugs are cytotoxic: They alkylate cellular DNA, interfering with the replication of susceptible cells and causing cell death. Their action…
Nursing Process Guidelines The delivery of medical care is in a constant state of change and sometimes in crisis. The population is aging, resulting in more chronic disease and more…
Patient Safety and Medication Administration Growing numbers of patients—and drugs—bring increased risk of medication errors. Compounding this risk are the tremendous upsurge in the use of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and…
