A nurse is caring for a client with angina who is receiving diltiazem. In which of the following conditions should the nurse withhold the drug and notify the health care provider?

Question

A) Client's systolic pressure is 110 mm Hg.
B) Client exhibits significant weight loss.
C) Client experiences lightheadedness.
D) Client's pulse rate is 45 beats per minute.

Answer 1

Ans: D
Feedback:
The nurse should withhold the drug and notify the health care provider when the client's pulse rate is 45 beats per minute. When calcium channel blockers are administered, there may be a fall in the pulse rate. When the pulse rate falls below 50 beats per minute, the nurse should notify the health care provider. When the systolic pressure falls below 90 mm Hg, the nurse should notify the primary health care provider. Weight gain, and not weight loss, occurs with the use of calcium channel blockers. The nurse should report weight gain. Lightheadedness is a common central nervous system adverse reaction occurring after taking the drug, and the nurse should instruct the client to lie down until the symptoms pass.