A patient presents with stable angina. The patient's spouse begins asking questions about the calcium channel blockers (CCBs). The spouse asks how CCBs relieve pain, and the nurse explains, "CCBs
a. reduce platelet cohesiveness."
b. dilate arterioles and reduce afterload."
c. increase the heart rate and contractility."
d. constrict veins and increase preload."
B
CCBs block calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, which results in arteriolar dilation and reduction of peripheral resistance (afterload).
CCBs do not reduce platelet cohesiveness or increase preload.
The CCBs (verapamil and diltiazem) reduce the heart rate, AV conduction, and contractility.
You might also like to view...
The nurse is caring for a client admitted with pneumonia requiring oxygen administration. Which are the priority assessments to document for this client?
1. Pulses in all extremities 2. Respirations and oxygen saturation 3. Blood pressure and temperature 4. Pulse rate and blood pressure
An understanding of the pathophysiologic rationale behind shock is something every nurse needs to have. Which of the following statements best describes the pathophysiology for shock?
A) Blood is shunted from vital organs to peripheral areas of the body. B) Cells lack an adequate blood supply and are deprived of oxygen and nutrients. C) Circulating blood volume is decreased. D) Hemorrhage occurs as a result of trauma.
_____is the title of legislation passed in 2001 for health care workers
1. Federal Food, Drugs, and Cosmetic Act 2. Durham-Humphrey Amendment 3. Kefauver-Harris Amendment 4. Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act
A woman comes to the clinic with neck pain
There's a bald spot on her scalp. She explains that she caught her hair in a door, which pulled it out and caused her neck injury. The partner wants to stay with the injured woman. What is the nurse's best action? a. Encourage the partner to remain with the woman to provide emotional support. b. Require the partner to stay in the waiting room when the woman is examined. c. Call hospital security to have them stand by to prevent violence. d. Report the situation to local law enforcement authorities.