ACE Inhibitors vs ARBs Made Simple: MOA, Side Effects, NCLEX Tips

In this lesson, Nurse Mike breaks down ACE inhibitors vs. ARBs — how they work, when to use them, and the high‑yield side effects you’ll see on the NCLEX. You’ll learn the RAAS pathway in plain English, why these drugs lower blood pressure (not heart rate), and the exact exam tips that stick. Nurse Mike teaches in a proven way to make this info stick. TRY SIMPLENURSING FOR FREE. Make nursing knowledge stick with SimpleNursing: https://shorturl.at/Ti34b 🔗 Helpful Links Antihypertensive NCLEX Practice Questions & Review: https://simplenursing.com/antihypertensive-nclex-practice-questions-review/?utm_content=ace_vs_arbs_new_callouts_video&utm_source=youtube.com&utm_medium=referral Heart Failure Pharmacology NCLEX Review (ACEi/ARB in HF): https://simplenursing.com/heart-failure-nclex-practice-questions-review/?utm_content=ace_vs_arbs_new_callouts_video&utm_source=youtube.com&utm_medium=referral Drug Classification Charts & Cheat Sheets: https://simplenursing.com/drug-classifications/?utm_content=ace_vs_arbs_new_callouts_video&utm_source=youtube.com&utm_medium=referral 💡 What You’ll Learn ACE inhibitors vs. ARBs: mechanism of action (RAAS), indications, and nursing priorities Why ACE/ARB lower blood pressure, not heart rate (key NCLEX tip) High‑yield side effects: cough and angioedema (ACE), hyperkalemia (both), pregnancy contraindication Potassium safety: diet teaching, ECG changes (peaked T waves), first nursing action “First‑dose phenomenon” safety alert and orthostatic hypotension teaching When to hold the med (blood pressure vs. bradycardia) on exams and in practice 🕒 Timestamps 00:00 Intro – ACE Inhibitors vs. ARBs Overview (NCLEX high‑yield) 00:12 Members: Grab the Cardio Pharm Guides (make it stick) 00:26 Big Concept: These drugs lower BP, not HR (+ “-pril” ACE first‑line) 00:53 ARBs (“-sartan”) second‑line — also lower BP, not HR 01:08 Nursing Question: Bradycardia less than 60? Do you hold? (Hold for low BP, not low HR) 01:24 Mechanism Made Simple: Blocking RAAS → less aldosterone, less sodium/water, more potassium 01:48 Side Effects (ACE mnemonic): Avoid pregnancy, Angioedema (ACE only), Cough (ACE only), Elevated K 02:34 Potassium Safety Teaching: High‑K foods, salt substitutes, and what to avoid 02:51 Hyperkalemia Clues: Muscle spasms, peaked T waves, ST changes — first action is cardiac monitor 03:18 The “3 A’s” Recap: Antihypertensive, Avoid pregnancy, Added potassium (hyperkalemia) 03:35 First‑Dose Phenomenon: Don’t leave bedside — monitor for big BP drop 03:56 Next Steps: NCLEX review series, live CRAM, study guides + practice Qs ❤️ Why This Matters This isn’t just pharmacology trivia — it’s patient safety. Understanding ACE/ARB effects, potassium risks, and pregnancy contraindications helps you choose the right actions on the NCLEX and protect real patients in clinical practice. 👍 If this helped, hit Like, Subscribe, and share it with a classmate! 🧠 Check out our interactive NCLEX‑style quizzes and study guides at SimpleNursing.com for more lessons that actually stick. 📚 More Nursing Resources Official Website: https://shorturl.at/Ti34b Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplenursing.com_/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@simplenursing Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimpleNursing YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/simplenursing #ACEInhibitors #ARBs #RAAS #Hyperkalemia #Angioedema #NCLEX #NCLEXPrep #NurseMike #SimpleNursing #NursingSchool #Pharmacology #Antihypertensives