Question 1

The nurse is assessing a client taking both verapamil and digoxin.Which finding indicates an adverse interaction of this drug combination?

Accepted Answer

Both verapamil and digoxin can slow down the heart rate. A pulse rate of 51 beats per minute may indicate an adverse interaction of these two medications. A high blood pressure reading is not necessarily indicative of an adverse drug interaction between these two medications. The respiratory rate and serum potassium levels are not typically affected by either medication.

Question 2

A client's history includes hypertension and chronic stable angina pectoris.Which drug can manage both conditions?

Accepted Answer

Amlodipine (Norvasc) is a calcium channel blocker that can effectively manage both hypertension and chronic stable angina pectoris. Felopidine (Plendil), Nimodipine (Nimotop), and Nicardipine (Cardene) are also calcium channel blockers, but they are not as effective for managing angina.

Question 3

A nurse educator is discussing how calcium channel blockers interact with the L-type calcium channel.The educator knows the students have understood the discussion when they state that L-type calcium channels are located in which location? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

L-type calcium channels are widely distributed in the body and are found in the cardiovascular system, neurons, endocrine cells, and sensory cells. They play a crucial role in various physiological processes, including muscle contraction, neurotransmitter release, hormone secretion, and sensory perception.

Question 4

The nurse is preparing to administer medications,including verapamil (Verelan),a calcium channel blocker,and metoprolol (Lopressor),a beta₁-adrenergic blocker,to a client with hypertension.An entry in the client's medical record indicates he has developed AV block.Which action by the nurse is the most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Both verapamil and metoprolol can cause AV block as a side effect. Therefore, holding both medications and notifying the prescriber is the most appropriate action to take in this situation. The prescriber may need to adjust the client's medication regimen or monitor their cardiac function more closely. Administering either medication alone could still exacerbate the AV block and potentially lead to more serious cardiac issues.

Question 5

Calcium channel blockers are classified by their chemical structure.The nurse knows that which calcium channel blockers are dihydropyridines? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Amlodipine, felodipine, and nicardipine belong to the dihydropyridine class of calcium channel blockers. Diltiazem and verapamil are non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers.

Question 6

The nurse preparing to administer both a calcium channel blocker and a beta₁-adrenergic blocker to a client with hypertension plans to monitor the client's response based on which understanding of these drugs?

Accepted Answer

Calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers both work to decrease blood pressure by preventing calcium influx into vascular smooth muscle. Calcium channel blockers specifically target the voltage-gated calcium channels, while beta-blockers block the beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart and blood vessels. Monitoring the client's response to these drugs would involve assessing their blood pressure to ensure it is within the desired range.

Question 7

The nurse identifies Injury,Risk for as a nursing diagnosis for a client beginning therapy with verapamil (Verelan)who takes carbamazepine (Tegretol)to manage a seizure disorder because this drug combination can result in an increased risk of which disorder?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse identifies Injury,Risk for as a...

Question 8

The nurse observes that a client admitted for orthopedic surgery also has a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation.Which drug can achieve a therapeutic effect relative to the client's diagnosis of atrial fibrillation?

Accepted Answer

Diltiazem (Cardizem) is a calcium channel blocker that is commonly used to treat atrial fibrillation due to its ability to slow down the heart rate and improve heart rhythm. Isradipine, nifedipine, and nicardipine are also calcium channel blockers, but are not typically used for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.

Question 9

A client is prescribed verapamil to treat hypertension and chronic stable angina.Which assessment finding is of greatest concern relative to potential adverse effects of amlodipine for this client?

Accepted Answer

A heart rate of 132 beats per minute is of greatest concern for a client with hypertension and chronic stable angina who is prescribed verapamil and amlodipine. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that can cause bradycardia or tachycardia, and in this case, the heart rate of 132 beats per minute may indicate tachycardia and potential adverse effects of the medication. It is important to assess for any signs of myocardial infarction or heart failure as well. Facial flushing, respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute, and pedal edema 1+ are common adverse effects of calcium channel blockers but are not as concerning as an elevated heart rate.

Question 10

Which drug can be used to treat cardiac dysrhythmias?

Accepted Answer

Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker that is commonly used to treat cardiac dysrhythmias. Nifedipine, nisoldipine, and amlodipine are also calcium channel blockers but are not typically used for treating dysrhythmias.

Question 11

The nurse advises a client taking nifedipine (Procardia)to avoid alcohol while taking this drug because this combination increases the risk of which adverse effect?

Accepted Answer

Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker, which can cause a decrease in blood pressure. Alcohol can also cause a decrease in blood pressure, so combining the two can increase the risk of fainting or dizziness. Therefore, the nurse advises the client to avoid alcohol while taking nifedipine.

Question 12

A calcium channel blocker has been prescribed for a client with hypertension.The nurse explains that this drug affects the function of the L-type calcium channel by which action?

Accepted Answer

Calcium channel blockers work by changing the shape of the L-type calcium channel, which reduces the amount of calcium that can enter the cell. This action decreases the force of the heart's contractions and dilates the arteries, leading to lower blood pressure.

Question 13

The nurse is preparing to administer an intravenous dose of verapamil (Calan)to a client.Prior to administering this drug,which action by the nurse is the most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker that can cause severe hypotension, bradycardia, and heart block. Therefore, obtaining emergency resuscitation equipment is the most appropriate action by the nurse. While monitoring the client's pulse oximetry and oxygen saturation may be important, it is not the most appropriate action prior to administering verapamil. Asking the client to sit in a chair is not specific to administering verapamil and may not be relevant to this drug specifically. Administering oxygen by nasal cannula may be appropriate if the client experiences respiratory distress or hypoxia, but it is not the most appropriate action prior to administering verapamil.

Question 14

A client prescribed verapamil (Calan)to treat hypertension has gained 6 pounds in the past 3 days and is complaining of shortness of breath,constipation,ankle swelling,flushing,and dizziness.The client has been switched from verapamil to nifedipine (Procardia).The nurse understands the rationale for this change is that nifedipine (Procardia)will not cause which adverse effect?

Accepted Answer

Verapamil can cause heart failure, which can leading to fluid retention and weight gain, shortness of breath, and ankle swelling. Nifedipine is not known to cause these adverse effects. However, both verapamil and nifedipine can cause flushing, dizziness, and constipation.

Question 15

The nurse is teaching a client about the role of calcium in hypertension,and explains that a high concentration of calcium in arterial smooth muscle cells leads to which clinical manifestation?

Accepted Answer

Elevated blood pressure is the clinical manifestation of high concentration of calcium in arterial smooth muscle cells.

Question 16

A beta₁-adrenergic antagonist drug has been added to the regimen of a client with angina pectoris who is taking amlodipine (Norvasc).The nurse identifies which assessment finding as representing a goal of therapy related to a common mechanism of action of both drugs?

Accepted Answer

Both amlodipine and beta₁-adrenergic antagonists work to decrease blood pressure. Therefore, a decrease in blood pressure would be a common goal of therapy with both drugs. Peripheral edema, flushing, and constipation are not common goals of therapy with these drugs.

Question 17

A nursing instructor is explaining the role of calcium in the contraction of the cardiac muscle.The instructor asks the students to state,in order,the events that allow the cardiac muscle to contract.Standard Text: Click on the down arrow for each response in the right column and select the correct choice from the list.Response

Accepted Answer

The sequence of events that allow the cardiac muscle to contract include an action potential occurring, depolarization occurring, voltage-gated channels in the sarcolemma opening, ions entering and leaving the muscle cell, and muscle contraction occurring. This sequence ensures that the necessary calcium is present for the cardiac muscle fibers to contract and produce the necessary force to pump blood effectively.

Question 18

Most calcium channel blockers reduce the force of myocardial contractions.The nurse knows which drugs have this negative chronotropic effect at a therapeutic dose? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Verapamil and Diltiazem both have negative chronotropic effects at therapeutic doses. Amlodipine, Felodipine, and Nicardipine do not have significant negative chronotropic effects.

Question 19

The nurse is explaining the effects of calcium channel blockers on the cardiovascular system to a client.The nurse is aware that all dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers are equivalent in effectiveness for treating which disorders? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, such as amlodipine and nifedipine, have been shown to be effective in treating hypertension and angina. However, they have not been found to be effective in treating cerebrovascular disease, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism.

Question 20

The nurse is caring for a client who is prescribed digoxin (Lanoxin)and diltiazem (Cardizem).The nurse recognizes which finding as representing an adverse interaction of this combination of drugs?

Accepted Answer

Both digoxin and diltiazem can cause a decrease in heart rate. When administered together, the risk of severe bradycardia is increased. Monitoring the client's heart rate and rhythm is essential in this case. Peripheral edema, headache, and hypertension are not typically associated with adverse interactions between digoxin and diltiazem.

Quiz 30: Pharmacology With Calcium Channel Blockers

The nurse is assessing a client taking both verapamil and digoxin.Which finding indicates an adverse interaction of this drug combination?

A client's history includes hypertension and chronic stable angina pectoris.Which drug can manage both conditions?

Calcium channel blockers are classified by their chemical structure.The nurse knows that which calcium channel blockers are dihydropyridines? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

The nurse preparing to administer both a calcium channel blocker and a beta₁-adrenergic blocker to a client with hypertension plans to monitor the client's response based on which understanding of these drugs?

The nurse identifies Injury,Risk for as a nursing diagnosis for a client beginning therapy with verapamil (Verelan) who takes carbamazepine (Tegretol) to manage a seizure disorder because this drug combination can result in an increased risk of which disorder?

The nurse observes that a client admitted for orthopedic surgery also has a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation.Which drug can achieve a therapeutic effect relative to the client's diagnosis of atrial fibrillation?

A client is prescribed verapamil to treat hypertension and chronic stable angina.Which assessment finding is of greatest concern relative to potential adverse effects of amlodipine for this client?

Which drug can be used to treat cardiac dysrhythmias?

The nurse advises a client taking nifedipine (Procardia) to avoid alcohol while taking this drug because this combination increases the risk of which adverse effect?

A calcium channel blocker has been prescribed for a client with hypertension.The nurse explains that this drug affects the function of the L-type calcium channel by which action?

The nurse is preparing to administer an intravenous dose of verapamil (Calan) to a client.Prior to administering this drug,which action by the nurse is the most appropriate?

The nurse is teaching a client about the role of calcium in hypertension,and explains that a high concentration of calcium in arterial smooth muscle cells leads to which clinical manifestation?

A beta₁-adrenergic antagonist drug has been added to the regimen of a client with angina pectoris who is taking amlodipine (Norvasc) .The nurse identifies which assessment finding as representing a goal of therapy related to a common mechanism of action of both drugs?

Most calcium channel blockers reduce the force of myocardial contractions.The nurse knows which drugs have this negative chronotropic effect at a therapeutic dose? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

The nurse is caring for a client who is prescribed digoxin (Lanoxin) and diltiazem (Cardizem) .The nurse recognizes which finding as representing an adverse interaction of this combination of drugs?

Quiz 30: Pharmacology With Calcium Channel Blockers

The nurse is assessing a client taking both verapamil and digoxin.Which finding indicates an adverse interaction of this drug combination?

A client's history includes hypertension and chronic stable angina pectoris.Which drug can manage both conditions?

Calcium channel blockers are classified by their chemical structure.The nurse knows that which calcium channel blockers are dihydropyridines? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

The nurse preparing to administer both a calcium channel blocker and a beta1-adrenergic blocker to a client with hypertension plans to monitor the client's response based on which understanding of these drugs?

The nurse identifies Injury,Risk for as a nursing diagnosis for a client beginning therapy with verapamil (Verelan) who takes carbamazepine (Tegretol) to manage a seizure disorder because this drug combination can result in an increased risk of which disorder?

The nurse observes that a client admitted for orthopedic surgery also has a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation.Which drug can achieve a therapeutic effect relative to the client's diagnosis of atrial fibrillation?

A client is prescribed verapamil to treat hypertension and chronic stable angina.Which assessment finding is of greatest concern relative to potential adverse effects of amlodipine for this client?

Which drug can be used to treat cardiac dysrhythmias?

The nurse advises a client taking nifedipine (Procardia) to avoid alcohol while taking this drug because this combination increases the risk of which adverse effect?

A calcium channel blocker has been prescribed for a client with hypertension.The nurse explains that this drug affects the function of the L-type calcium channel by which action?

The nurse is preparing to administer an intravenous dose of verapamil (Calan) to a client.Prior to administering this drug,which action by the nurse is the most appropriate?

The nurse is teaching a client about the role of calcium in hypertension,and explains that a high concentration of calcium in arterial smooth muscle cells leads to which clinical manifestation?

A beta1-adrenergic antagonist drug has been added to the regimen of a client with angina pectoris who is taking amlodipine (Norvasc) .The nurse identifies which assessment finding as representing a goal of therapy related to a common mechanism of action of both drugs?

Most calcium channel blockers reduce the force of myocardial contractions.The nurse knows which drugs have this negative chronotropic effect at a therapeutic dose? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

The nurse is caring for a client who is prescribed digoxin (Lanoxin) and diltiazem (Cardizem) .The nurse recognizes which finding as representing an adverse interaction of this combination of drugs?

The nurse preparing to administer both a calcium channel blocker and a beta₁-adrenergic blocker to a client with hypertension plans to monitor the client's response based on which understanding of these drugs?

A beta₁-adrenergic antagonist drug has been added to the regimen of a client with angina pectoris who is taking amlodipine (Norvasc) .The nurse identifies which assessment finding as representing a goal of therapy related to a common mechanism of action of both drugs?