NURSING 6005 CHAPTER 45: CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKERS
TEST BANK
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving verapamil (Calan) for hypertension and
digoxin (Lanoxin) for heart failure. The nurse will observe this patient for:
a. AV blockade.
b. gingival hyperplasia.
c. migraine headaches.
d. reflex tachycardia.
ANS: A
Verapamil and digoxin both suppress impulse conduction through the AV node; when the two
drugs are used concurrently, the risk of AV blockade is increased. Gingival hyperplasia can
occur in rare cases with verapamil, but it is not an acute symptom. Verapamil can be used to
prevent migraine, and its use for this purpose is under investigation. Verapamil and digoxin
both suppress the heart rate. Nifedipine causes reflex tachycardia.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application
REF: Verapamil | Drug and Food Interactions | Summary of Major Nursing Implications | Verapamil
and Diltiazem | Digoxin | Nifedipine | Hemodynamic Effects | Indirect (Reflex) Effects
TOP: Nursing Process: Diagnosis
MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies
2. A patient begins taking nifedipine (Procardia), along with a beta blocker, to treat
hypertension. The nurse understands that the beta blocker is used to:
a. reduce flushing.
b. minimize gingival hyperplasia.
c. prevent constipation.
d. prevent reflex tachycardia.
ANS: D
Beta blockers are combined with nifedipine to prevent reflex tachycardia. Beta blockers do
not reduce flushing, minimize gingival hyperplasia, or prevent constipation. Beta blockers can
reduce the adverse cardiac effects of nifedipine.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application
REF: Nifedipine | Drug Interactions | Beta-Adrenergic Blockers
TOP: Nursing Process: Diagnosis
MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies
3. A nurse is teaching a patient who will begin taking verapamil (Calan) for hypertension about
the drug’s side effects. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the
teaching?
a. “I may become constipated, so I should increase fluids and fiber.”
b. “I may experience a rapid heart rate as a result of taking this drug.”
c. “I may have swelling of my hands and feet, but this will subside.”
d. “I may need to increase my digoxin dose while taking this drug.”
ANS: A
TEST BANK
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving verapamil (Calan) for hypertension and
digoxin (Lanoxin) for heart failure. The nurse will observe this patient for:
a. AV blockade.
b. gingival hyperplasia.
c. migraine headaches.
d. reflex tachycardia.
ANS: A
Verapamil and digoxin both suppress impulse conduction through the AV node; when the two
drugs are used concurrently, the risk of AV blockade is increased. Gingival hyperplasia can
occur in rare cases with verapamil, but it is not an acute symptom. Verapamil can be used to
prevent migraine, and its use for this purpose is under investigation. Verapamil and digoxin
both suppress the heart rate. Nifedipine causes reflex tachycardia.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application
REF: Verapamil | Drug and Food Interactions | Summary of Major Nursing Implications | Verapamil
and Diltiazem | Digoxin | Nifedipine | Hemodynamic Effects | Indirect (Reflex) Effects
TOP: Nursing Process: Diagnosis
MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies
2. A patient begins taking nifedipine (Procardia), along with a beta blocker, to treat
hypertension. The nurse understands that the beta blocker is used to:
a. reduce flushing.
b. minimize gingival hyperplasia.
c. prevent constipation.
d. prevent reflex tachycardia.
ANS: D
Beta blockers are combined with nifedipine to prevent reflex tachycardia. Beta blockers do
not reduce flushing, minimize gingival hyperplasia, or prevent constipation. Beta blockers can
reduce the adverse cardiac effects of nifedipine.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application
REF: Nifedipine | Drug Interactions | Beta-Adrenergic Blockers
TOP: Nursing Process: Diagnosis
MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies
3. A nurse is teaching a patient who will begin taking verapamil (Calan) for hypertension about
the drug’s side effects. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the
teaching?
a. “I may become constipated, so I should increase fluids and fiber.”
b. “I may experience a rapid heart rate as a result of taking this drug.”
c. “I may have swelling of my hands and feet, but this will subside.”
d. “I may need to increase my digoxin dose while taking this drug.”
ANS: A
