A patient with cardiovascular disease is being treated with Norvasc, a calcium channel blocking agent. The nurse is aware that calcium channel blockers have a variety of effects. What is one of the therapeutic effects?

Question

A) Decrease sinoatrial node and atrioventricular node conduction and decrease workload of the heart
B) Prevent platelet aggregation and subsequent thrombosis
C) Reduce myocardial oxygen consumption by blocking beta-adrenergic stimulation to the heart
D) Reduce myocardial oxygen consumption, thus decreasing ischemia and relieving pain

Answer 1

Ans: A
Feedback: Calcium channel blocking agents decrease sinoatrial node automaticity and atrioventricular node conduction, resulting in a slower heart rate and a decrease in the strength of the heart muscle contraction. These effects decrease the workload of the heart. They are also used to prevent and treat vasospasm. Antiplatelet and anticoagulation medications are administered to prevent platelet aggregation and subsequent thrombosis, which impedes blood flow. Beta-blockers reduce myocardial consumption by blocking beta-adrenergic sympathetic stimulation to the heart. The result is reduced myocardial contractility (force of contraction) to balance the myocardium oxygen needs and supply. Nitrates reduce myocardial oxygen consumption, which decreases ischemia and relieves pain by dilating the veins and in higher doses, the arteries.