A patient presents with atrial fibrillation, a heart rate of 156 beats/min, and a blood pressure of 124/76 mm Hg. The physician orders diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker, to be given slowly by intravenous push

Why did the physician choose this medication to treat this patient's atrial tachyarrhythmia? a. Diltiazem decreases the calcium influx into the AV nodal tissue and decreases the speed of impulse conduction.
b. Diltiazem increases the calcium influx into the AV nodal tissue and decreases the speed of impulse conduction.
c. Diltiazem decreases the calcium influx into the myocardial tissue and decreases the strength of heart contraction.
d. Diltiazem increases the calcium influx into the myocardial tissue and decreases the strength of heart contraction.


A
Calcium channel–blocking drugs, such as verapamil and diltiazem, inhibit the inward Ca++ current into pacemaker tissue, especially the AV node. For this reason, they are used therapeutically to slow the rate of atrial tachydysrhythmias and protect the ventricle from excessive atrial impulses.

Nursing

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The pediatric nurse is talking with a 15-year-old girl who is seeking treatment at the clinic for her acne

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Which of the following statements is an accurate nursing diagnosis?

A. Poor parenting abilities related to the lack of sleep B. disturbed body image , possibly related to recent childbirth. C. Risk for ineffective breastfeeding related to poor infant latch. D. Sleep deprivation, potential related to frequent infant feeding schedule.

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As dose level rises, it is likely that the effect produced by the drug

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