Chapter 44: Calcium Channel Blockers

Chapter 44: Calcium Channel Blockers

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

1. A patient admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) is being treated with both verapamil (Calan) and digoxin (Lanoxin). A nurse is aware that the patient should be monitored for which of the following effects from concurrent use of these medications?

a.	Decreased digoxin levels
b.	Digoxin toxicity
c.	Decreased verapamil effect
d.	Verapamil toxicity

 

 

ANS:   B

Verapamil increases plasma levels of digoxin by approximately 60%, thereby increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity.

Digoxin levels are increased, not decreased, when the drug is used concurrently with verapamil.

No changes occur in the effects of verapamil, including toxicity, when it is administered concurrently with digoxin.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application             REF:    p. 483

TOP:    Nursing Process: Diagnosis

MSC:   NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

2. A patient is started on nifedipine (Procardia) concurrently with a beta blocker for hypertension. The rationale for concurrent use of a beta blocker is to produce which of the following effects?

a.	Decreased flushing
b.	Prevention of constipation
c.	Prevention of reflex tachycardia
d.	Increased cardiac effects

 

 

ANS:   C

Beta blockers are combined with nifedipine to prevent reflex tachycardia.

Beta blockers do not reduce flushing or prevent constipation.

Beta blockers can reduce the adverse cardiac effects of nifedipine.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application             REF:    p. 485

TOP:    Nursing Process: Diagnosis

MSC:   NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

3. A nurse counsels an elderly patient who is just beginning verapamil (Calan) therapy. The nurse should include which pertinent and important side effect in the patient’s education?

a.	Diarrhea is common and can be treated with antacids.
b.	Photophobia occurs in many patients and can be minimized by wearing sunglasses and sunblock.
c.	Migraine headache is common and is relieved by reducing the dose.
d.	Dizziness may occur, therefore caution must be used when walking or rising from a sitting position.

 

 

ANS:   D

Dizziness is a common side effect of verapamil, therefore the patient should use caution when rising to reduce the risk of falls.

Diarrhea is an uncommon side effect of verapamil. Constipation is the most common side effect of verapamil, especially in elderly patients.

Verapamil does not cause photophobia or migraine headaches.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application             REF:    p. 482

TOP:    Nursing Process: Implementation

MSC:   NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

4. The nurse is aware that a major difference between verapamil (Calan) and nifedipine (Procardia) is which of the following effects?

a.	Only verapamil lowers blood pressure.
b.	Nifedipine causes migraine headaches.
c.	Only verapamil causes vasodilation.
d.	Nifedipine causes fewer effects on the heart.

 

 

ANS:   D

Nifedipine has no significant effect on the heart.

Both medications lower blood pressure.

Neither nifedipine nor verapamil cause migraine headaches.

Both medications cause vasodilation, thereby lowering the blood pressure.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application             REF:    pp. 483-484

TOP:    Nursing Process: Diagnosis

MSC:   NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies