Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
06:59
A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings
Published on: November 9, 2016
Intravenous therapy for hypertensive emergencies, part 1
Denise Rhoney1, W Frank Peacock
1Department of Pharmacy Practice, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA. drhoney@wayne.edu
Summary
Rapidly lowering blood pressure with intravenous antihypertensive agents is crucial for managing hypertensive emergencies and preventing end-organ damage. Selecting the right medication depends on individual patient factors and drug pharmacology.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Hypertensive emergencies affect 500,000 individuals annually in the U.S.
- Hypertensive emergencies can lead to severe end-organ damage.
- Prompt blood pressure reduction is vital to prevent or minimize this damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review intravenous antihypertensive agents for treating hypertensive emergencies.
- To discuss the characteristics and selection criteria for these agents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of intravenous antihypertensive agents.
- Analysis of agent pharmacology and patient-specific factors.
Main Results:
- Several intravenous agents are recommended for hypertensive emergencies, including nicardipine, nitroprusside, fenoldopam, nitroglycerin, enalaprilat, hydralazine, labetalol, esmolol, phentolamine, and clevidipine.
- These agents generally offer rapid onset/offset and predictable responses.
- Selection should consider pharmacology, patient comorbidities, and end-organ damage.
Conclusions:
- Timely recognition and treatment of hypertensive emergencies are essential for minimizing end-organ damage.
- Personalized drug selection optimizes patient management and outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Hypertension I: Introduction
Hypertension is a widespread, long-term medical condition where blood pressure in the arteries remains elevated. It is characterized by systolic blood pressure readings of 130 mm Hg or above or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) readings of 80 mm Hg or higher. Unmanaged hypertension poses significant health risks, making the distinction between primary (or essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension crucial, as their management and implications vary.Primary HypertensionPrimary hypertension,...
01:25Hemodialysis I: Introduction
Hemodialysis (HD) is a medical treatment that artificially removes waste products, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform these functions effectively. In this process, blood is filtered through a semipermeable membrane, allowing for the selective removal of waste while preserving necessary components like blood cells and proteins. Hemodialysis is typically performed in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or severe kidney...
01:28Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications
Multiple classes of antihypertensive medications are employed in treating hypertension. The most commonly recommended first-line treatments include:Thiazide Diuretics, such as chlorthalidone, increase sodium and water excretion from the body, reducing blood volume and blood pressure.Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, like lisinopril, block the conversion of angiotensin I to II, a potent vasoconstrictor lowering blood pressure.Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) prevent angiotensin II...
01:23Hypertension V: Nursing Management
The nursing management of hypertension involves accurately assessing symptoms, making a comprehensive nursing diagnosis, collaborating with patients to set goals, and implementing targeted interventions to mitigate the condition's impact and improve patient well-being.Comprehensive AssessmentThe initial step in nursing care for hypertension involves a thorough patient assessment. It includes evaluating symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and previous hypertension episodes.
01:20Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) requires a collaborative healthcare approach to restore renal function and prevent complications. Essential management strategies involve monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance, adjusting medications, initiating dialysis when necessary, and providing nutritional support.Fluid and Electrolyte ManagementFluid Monitoring: Regularly monitoring body weight, central venous pressure, and urine output helps detect fluid imbalances early. Patient intake and output are...
01:30Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy, also known as CRRT, is a procedural treatment for acute kidney injury (AKI) that gradually removes uremic toxins and fluids while maintaining acid-base balance and stabilizing electrolytes. It is particularly useful for hemodynamically unstable patients. Unlike intermittent hemodialysis, which is faster, CRRT provides a gentler approach over 24 hours, closely mimicking the function of natural kidneys. However, CRRT is not ideal for patients with...