Diltiazem (Cardizem) has been prescribed for a patient newly diagnosed with Prinzmetal’s (variant) angina. What accurate action of diltiazem should the nurse include in the teaching plan?
It increases the contractile force of the heart.
It reduces heart palpitations.
It decreases coronary artery spasms.
It prevents the formation of plaque in the coronary arteries.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Diltiazem does not increase the contractile force of the heart. In fact, it is classified as a negative inotrope, meaning it decreases the force of heart contractions.
Choice B rationale
While diltiazem can affect heart rhythm, it does not specifically reduce heart palpitations. Its primary effect is to slow the heart rate and relax the blood vessels.
Choice C rationale
Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker used to manage cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, chronic stable angina, atrial fibrillation, and Prinzmetal’s angina. It works by inhibiting the calcium influx into cardiac and vascular smooth muscle during depolarization. This results in vasodilation, or the widening of blood vessels, which can help decrease coronary artery spasms, a characteristic feature of Prinzmetal’s angina.
Choice D rationale
Diltiazem does not prevent the formation of plaque in the coronary arteries. It primarily acts to relax the blood vessels and slow the heart rate.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Promoting a diet high in saturated fats is not a recommended strategy for preventing cardiovascular disease. Saturated fats can raise the level of cholesterol in your blood and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Choice B rationale
Advising smoking cessation is a crucial intervention in preventing cardiovascular disease. Chemicals in tobacco can damage the heart and blood vessels, leading to narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Atherosclerosis can ultimately lead to a heart attack.
Choice C rationale
Regular blood pressure monitoring is important because high blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart disease. It can cause the arteries that supply blood to your heart muscle to harden and narrow, leading to a heart attack.
Choice D rationale
Regular cholesterol screenings are essential because high levels of cholesterol can lead to the buildup of plaques in your arteries, increasing your risk of heart disease.
Choice E rationale
Encouraging regular physical exercise is a key strategy in preventing cardiovascular disease. Regular exercise helps control your weight and reduce your chances of developing other conditions that may put a strain on your heart, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While palpating the liver edge can provide information about liver health and potential fluid accumulation, it is not typically a priority assessment for a patient taking Digoxin (Lanoxin), Furosemide (Lasix), and Captopril.
Choice B rationale
A serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is low (hypokalemia). This is a critical finding because both Digoxin and Furosemide can cause hypokalemia. Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity, which can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias.
Choice C rationale
While weight gain may indicate worsening heart failure, a gain of 2 pounds over 3 days is not typically considered significant. However, any sudden or unexplained weight gain should be reported to the healthcare provider.
Choice D rationale
Presence of 1+ to 2+ edema in the feet and ankles could indicate worsening heart failure, but it is not as immediately concerning as hypokalemia in a patient taking Digoxin and Furosemide.
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