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?

Choice A rationale
While fasting may be required before certain procedures, it is not the most crucial piece of information that the nurse needs to relay to the healthcare provider prior to a cardiac catheterization and coronary angiogram.
Choice B rationale
A shellfish allergy is crucial information because the dye used in an angiogram can cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to shellfish.
Choice C rationale
Although a previous heart attack is significant medical history, it is not the most crucial piece of information to relay prior to this procedure.
Choice D rationale
The rating of the patient’s pedal pulses is not the most crucial piece of information to relay prior to this procedure.

Choice A rationale
While calf tenderness and swelling after a plane ride could potentially indicate a deep vein thrombosis, this condition is not immediately life-threatening in most cases. The patient would need evaluation and treatment, but other patients might have more urgent needs14.
Choice B rationale
A patient taking anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation who has black stools could potentially have gastrointestinal bleeding, which would need evaluation. However, this condition might not be immediately life-threatening, and other patients might have more urgent needs14.
Choice C rationale
A patient with a gangrenous foot ulcer and a weak pedal pulse would need evaluation and treatment. However, this condition might not be immediately life-threatening, and other patients might have more urgent needs14.
Choice D rationale
A patient reporting sudden sharp and severe upper back pain could potentially have an aortic dissection, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate evaluation and treatment. Therefore, this patient should be assessed first14.