Question 1

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

Verapamil can increase the levels of carbamazepine in the blood, which may lead to toxicity. One of the symptoms of carbamazepine toxicity is ataxia.

Question 2

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

High concentration of calcium in arterial smooth muscle cells can cause vasoconstriction and narrowing of blood vessels, leading to elevated blood pressure (hypertension).

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?
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 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 commonly used to control heart rate in individuals with atrial fibrillation. Isradipine, Nifedipine, and Nicardipine are also calcium channel blockers but are not typically used for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.

Question 5

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

The presence of AV block is a contraindication for both verapamil and metoprolol, as they both have negative effects on AV node conduction. The nurse should hold both medications and notify the prescriber to determine an appropriate course of action.

Question 6

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
A)An action potential occurs.
Response
B)Depolarization occurs.
Response
C)Voltage-gated channels in the sarcolemma open.
Response
D)Ions enter and leave the muscle cell.
Response
E)Muscle contraction occurs.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A nursing instructor is explaining the role...

Question 7

Most calcium channel blockers reduce the force of myocardial contractions.The nurse knows which drugs have this negative chronotropic effect at a therapeutic dose?
Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Verapamil and Diltiazem are known to have negative chronotropic effects at therapeutic doses, meaning they decrease heart rate. Amlodipine, Felodipine, and Nicardipine do not have significant negative chronotropic effects.

Question 8

A client is prescribed verapamil (Calan)and simvastatin (Zocor).To detect a potential adverse effect of this drug combination,the nurse should instruct the client to call her health care provider if which adverse effect is experienced?

Accepted Answer

Simvastatin can cause muscle pain or weakness, and when taken with verapamil it can increase the risk of muscle damage, known as rhabdomyolysis. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client to call her healthcare provider if they experience muscle pain or weakness while taking this combination of drugs. Tachycardia, dizziness, and headache are not common adverse effects of this drug combination.

Question 9

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

Digoxin and diltiazem both have the potential to cause bradycardia. When combined, they can cause additive effects resulting in a dangerously slow heart rate. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client for signs and symptoms of bradycardia and notify the healthcare provider if it occurs. Peripheral edema, headache, and hypertension are not adverse reactions associated with this drug combination.

Question 10

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 used to treat hypertension and angina. It can cause dizziness and lightheadedness, which can be exacerbated by the use of alcohol. Therefore, combining nifedipine and alcohol increases the risk of fainting.

Question 11

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 can cause significant cardiac side effects, including bradycardia and heart block. As such, it is important to have emergency resuscitation equipment on hand in case of a severe reaction. While monitoring the client's oxygen saturation or administering supplemental oxygen may be appropriate interventions for some clients, they are not necessary prior to administration of verapamil. Similarly, asking the client to sit in a chair is unlikely to have any impact on the safety or efficacy of the drug.

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

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, as verapamil and amlodipine both cause a decrease in heart rate. A heart rate this high could indicate a potential adverse reaction to the medication or an underlying cardiac issue. Facial flushing, respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute, and pedal edema 1+ are potential side effects of verapamil and amlodipine but are not as concerning as a high heart rate.

Question 14

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 hypertension and chronic stable angina pectoris. It has a long half-life, making it a convenient once-daily medication. Felodipine (Plendil) and Nicardipine (Cardene) are also calcium channel blockers but are not as effective at managing angina as amlodipine. Nimodipine (Nimotop) is primarily used for the treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage and is not indicated for hypertension or angina.

Question 15

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 beta blockers lower blood pressure, so a decreased blood pressure would represent a goal of therapy for these drugs. Peripheral edema and flushing are side effects of amlodipine, not beta blockers. Constipation is not a common side effect of either drug.

Question 16

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 prevent calcium influx into vascular smooth muscle, leading to vasodilation and lowering of blood pressure. Beta-adrenergic blockers block sympathetic impulses in sarcolemma membranes, reducing heart rate and contractility. Monitoring the client's response to these medications would involve assessing for changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and potential side effects such as dizziness or fatigue. Option A is incorrect because calcium channel blockers actually prevent calcium influx, rather than promoting it. Option D is incorrect because neither medication promotes urinary excretion of sodium.

Question 17

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

The adverse effect that the client is experiencing is consistent with heart failure, a potential complication of verapamil use. Nifedipine does not have this adverse effect, so it is a better choice for the client's hypertension management. Flushing, dizziness, and constipation can still occur with nifedipine use, but they are not the priority concern in this scenario.

Question 18

Calcium channel blockers are classified by their chemical structure.The nurse knows that which calcium channel blockers are dihydropyridines?
Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Amlodipine, Felodipine, and Nicardipine are dihydropyridines, as they have a dihydropyridine ring in their chemical structure. Diltiazem and Verapamil are non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers.

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?
Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers are primarily used for the treatment of hypertension and angina. They are not typically used for cerebrovascular disease, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism.

Question 20

Which drug can be used to treat cardiac dysrhythmias?

Accepted Answer

Verapamil (Calan) is a calcium channel blocker that is often used to treat cardiac dysrhythmias. It works by slowing down the electrical impulses in the heart, which can help to regulate the heart's rhythm. The other options listed are also calcium channel blockers, but they are not typically used to treat dysrhythmias. Instead, they are used to treat high blood pressure or angina.

Quiz 30: Pharmacology With Calcium Channel Blockers

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 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 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? Select all that apply.

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?

Most calcium channel blockers reduce the force of myocardial contractions.The nurse knows which drugs have this negative chronotropic effect at a therapeutic dose? Select all that apply.

A client is prescribed verapamil (Calan) and simvastatin (Zocor) .To detect a potential adverse effect of this drug combination,the nurse should instruct the client to call her health care provider if which adverse effect is experienced?

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

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?

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?

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?

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

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?

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?

Calcium channel blockers are classified by their chemical structure.The nurse knows that which calcium channel blockers are dihydropyridines? Select all that apply.

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? Select all that apply.

Which drug can be used to treat cardiac dysrhythmias?

Quiz 30: Pharmacology With Calcium Channel Blockers

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 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 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? Select all that apply.

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?

Most calcium channel blockers reduce the force of myocardial contractions.The nurse knows which drugs have this negative chronotropic effect at a therapeutic dose? Select all that apply.

A client is prescribed verapamil (Calan) and simvastatin (Zocor) .To detect a potential adverse effect of this drug combination,the nurse should instruct the client to call her health care provider if which adverse effect is experienced?

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

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?

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?

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?

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

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?

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?

Calcium channel blockers are classified by their chemical structure.The nurse knows that which calcium channel blockers are dihydropyridines? Select all that apply.

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? Select all that apply.

Which drug can be used to treat cardiac dysrhythmias?

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?

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?