A patient is taking a calcium channel blocker (CCB) for stable ...

[Zulu123]

A patient is taking a calcium channel blocker (CCB) for stable angina. The patient's spouse asks how calcium channel blockers relieve pain. The nurse will explain that CCBs:
 
  a. help relax peripheral arterioles to reduce afterload.
  b. improve coronary artery perfusion.
  c. increase the heart rate to improve myo-cardial contractility.
  d. increase the QT interval.

Question 2

A patient with a history of hepatomegaly secondary to cirrhosis is admitted to a medical-surgical unit. Among the patient's many medications, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is prescribed.
 
  The nurse understands that this drug should not be used in patients with impaired liver function. Which term describes the nurse's understanding of the relationship between acetaminophen and its use in patients with impaired liver function? a. An indication
  b. A precaution
  c. A relative indication
  d. An absolute contraindication

[GCabra]

Answer to Question 1

A
CCBs promote relaxation of peripheral arterioles, resulting in a decrease in afterload, which re-duces the cardiac oxygen demand. CCBs do not improve coronary artery perfusion. CCBs reduce the heart rate and suppress contractility; they do not affect the QT interval.

Answer to Question 2

D
An absolute contraindication refers to a pre-existing condition that precludes use of a particular drug under all but the most desperate circumstances.
An indication refers to the purpose for which a medication is given.
A precaution is a pre-existing condition that significantly increases the risk of an adverse reaction to a particular drug but not to a degree that makes it life-threatening.
A relative indication refers to the most likely reason a medication is given.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: pp. 6-7  p. 10
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential

[Zulu123]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[atrochim]

Excellent