The nurse is aware that the goal of using diltiazem 30 mg PO bid in the collaborative plan of care for a client diagnosed with variant (Prinzmetal's) angina is to:
Increase the SA to AV node conduction time
Decrease coronary artery spasm
Diltiazem causes hyperexcitability in the myocardium
Increase the heart rate
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Increasing the SA to AV node conduction time is not the goal of using diltiazem for variant angina. Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that slows down the conduction of electrical impulses in the heart, but this is not the main mechanism of action for relieving variant angina. Variant angina is caused by spasms of the coronary arteries that reduce blood flow to the heart muscle.
Choice B reason: This is the correct answer. Decreasing coronary artery spasm is the goal of using diltiazem for variant angina. Diltiazem relaxes the smooth muscle of the coronary arteries and prevents them from contracting. This improves the blood supply to the heart and reduces the pain and ischemia associated with variant angina.
Choice C reason: Diltiazem does not cause hyperexcitability in the myocardium. This is a false statement. Diltiazem has the opposite effect of reducing the contractility and excitability of the heart muscle. This lowers the oxygen demand of the heart and helps prevent anginal attacks.
Choice D reason: Increasing the heart rate is not the goal of using diltiazem for variant angina. Diltiazem actually decreases the heart rate by blocking the calcium channels in the sinoatrial node and the atrioventricular node. This reduces the workload of the heart and the oxygen consumption. A high heart rate can worsen angina by increasing the oxygen demand of the heart.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Furosemide 40 mg PO daily is not the medication that the nurse should administer for chest pain. Furosemide is a diuretic that reduces fluid volume and lowers blood pressure, but it does not relieve anginal pain.
Choice B reason: Diltiazem 30 mg PO daily is not the medication that the nurse should administer for chest pain. Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes the blood vessels and lowers blood pressure, but it does not act quickly enough to relieve acute anginal pain.
Choice C reason: Metoprolol 25 mg PO bid is not the medication that the nurse should administer for chest pain. Metoprolol is a beta blocker that slows down the heart rate and lowers blood pressure, but it does not act quickly enough to relieve acute anginal pain.
Choice D reason: Nitroglycerin 0.4 mg SL PRN is the medication that the nurse should administer for chest pain. Nitroglycerin is a nitrate that dilates the coronary arteries and increases blood flow to the heart, thus relieving anginal pain. It is given sublingually (under the tongue) as needed for chest pain.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is a high-fat, high-sodium, and high-calorie meal that is not suitable for a client with hypertension. Fried foods, processed meats, and baked beans are sources of saturated fat and sodium that can raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Cake is a source of added sugar that can contribute to obesity and diabetes.
Choice B reason: This is a moderate-fat, moderate-sodium, and moderate-calorie meal that is not ideal for a client with hypertension. Fried flounder and tomato soup are sources of fat and sodium that can increase blood pressure. White rice is a refined carbohydrate that can spike blood sugar levels and increase the risk of diabetes.
Choice C reason: This is a high-fat, high-sodium, and high-calorie meal that is not appropriate for a client with hypertension. Barbecue pulled pork sandwich, mashed potatoes, and ice cream are sources of saturated fat and sodium that can elevate blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Fresh green beans are the only healthy component of this meal.
Choice D reason: This is a low-fat, low-sodium, and low-calorie meal that is suitable for a client with hypertension. Baked tuna, fresh broccoli, brown rice, and fresh cantaloupe are sources of lean protein, fiber, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, prevent obesity and diabetes, and promote cardiovascular health.
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