The nurse is administering nifedipine (Procardia) to a client who has stage II hypertension. What is the therapeutic action of this medication?

Question

A) It inhibits stimulation of specific beta-adrenergic sites, resulting in lower heart rate and BP.
B) It causes vasodilation and lowers peripheral vascular resistance, reducing myocardial oxygen consumption.
C) It slows cardiac conduction through the AV node, which decreases heart rate, dilates peripheral arteries, and decreases peripheral vascular resistance.
D) It inhibits vasoconstriction and cardioacceleration, thus reducing peripheral resistance.

Answer 1

C
Feedback:
Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker that slows cardiac conduction through the AV node, which decreases heart rate, dilates peripheral arteries, and decreases peripheral vascular resistance. Beta-adrenergic blockers inhibit stimulation of specific beta-adrenergic sites, resulting in lower heart rate and BP. Antianginals cause vasodilation and lower peripheral vascular resistance, reducing myocardial oxygen consumption. Centrally acting adrenergic inhibitors inhibit vasoconstriction and cardioacceleration, thus reducing peripheral resistance.