Why are Verapamil and Diltiazem considered to be antidysrhythmic medications but Nifedipine is not, if all three medications are calcium channel blockers?
Nifedipine is a dihydropyridine and therefore only affects the movement of calcium into the cells of vascular smooth muscle.
Verapamil and Diltiazem affect the movement of calcium into the cells of both the heart and blood vessels.
All three medications have antidysrhythmic properties.
Nifedipine affects the movement of calcium into the cells of both the heart and blood vessels.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
Nifedipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker that primarily affects vascular smooth muscle, leading to vasodilation. While it can lower blood pressure, it does not significantly affect cardiac conduction or rhythm, which is why it is not used as an antidysrhythmic.
Choice B reason:
Verapamil and Diltiazem are calcium channel blockers that affect the movement of calcium into the cells of both the heart and blood vessels. They have a significant impact on cardiac conduction and can be used to treat arrhythmias by slowing down the heart rate and reducing the conduction through the atrioventricular node.
Choice C reason:
Not all three medications have antidysrhythmic properties. Only Verapamil and Diltiazem are effective as antidysrhythmic agents due to their effects on cardiac conduction. Nifedipine does not share these properties and is therefore not used to manage arrhythmias.
Choice D reason:
Nifedipine primarily affects the movement of calcium into the cells of vascular smooth muscle, not the heart. Its main use is in the treatment of hypertension and angina, where its vasodilatory effects are beneficial. It does not significantly impact cardiac rhythm or conduction like Verapamil and Diltiazem do.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Amphotericin B is an antifungal medication and is not used to treat viral infections such as herpes-zoster. This choice is incorrect because it does not target the herpes virus, which causes conditions like shingles.
Choice B reason:
Acyclovir is an antiviral medication specifically used to treat infections caused by the herpes virus, including herpes-zoster (shingles). It works by inhibiting viral replication, reducing the severity and duration of symptoms. This makes it the correct choice for treating herpes-zoster infection.
Choice C reason:
Azole antifungals are used to treat fungal infections, not viral infections like herpes-zoster. This choice is incorrect as it does not relate to the treatment of the herpes virus.
Choice D reason:
Tamiflu is an antiviral medication used to treat influenza, not herpes-zoster. While it targets a viral infection, it is specific to the influenza virus and not effective against the herpes virus. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Hypotension is not the likely cause of chest pain that does not improve after sublingual Nitroglycerin in a patient with a history of atherosclerosis. While hypotension can cause symptoms, the description of chest pain at rest that does not respond to Nitroglycerin suggests a more severe cardiac issue.
Choice B reason:
Stable angina typically occurs with exertion and is relieved by rest or Nitroglycerin. Chest pain consistent at rest that does not improve with Nitroglycerin suggests unstable angina, which is a more serious condition and requires immediate medical attention.
Choice C reason:
Unstable angina is the correct answer. It occurs when chest pain happens at rest and is not relieved by Nitroglycerin, indicating that the blood flow to the heart is severely restricted. This condition is a medical emergency as it can lead to a myocardial infarction.
Choice D reason:
Coronary vasodilation would typically relieve chest pain by increasing blood flow to the heart. The pain described is more consistent with unstable angina, where there is a significant reduction in blood flow to the heart that does not respond to vasodilation.
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