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?

Question

1. Isradipine (DynaCirc)
2. Nifedipine (Procardia)
3. Nicardipine (Cardene)
4. Diltiazem (Cardizem)

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: Isradipine is a dihydropyridine drug approved only for treatment of hypertension.
Rationale 2: Nifedipine is a dihydropyridine drug, and does not slow cardiac conduction.
Rationale 3: Nicardipine is a dihydropyridine drug with no effect on conduction within the myocardium.
Rationale 4: Diltiazem is a nondihydropyridine drug used to manage atrial fibrillation because it slows conduction through the SA node.
Global Rationale: Diltiazem is a nondihydropyridine drug used to manage atrial fibrillation because it slows conduction through the SA node. Isradipine is a dihydropyridine drug approved only for treatment of hypertension. Nifedipine is a dihydropyridine drug, and does not slow cardiac conduction. Nicardipine is a dihydropyridine drug with no effect on conduction within the myocardium.