A patient who is taking nifedipine develops mild edema of both ...

[Caiter2013]

A patient who is taking nifedipine develops mild edema of both feet. The primary care NP should contact the patient's cardiologist to discuss:
 
  a. changing to amlodipine.
  b. ordering renal function tests.
  c. increasing the dose of nifedipine.
  d. evaluation of left ventricular function.

Question 2

A patient who takes a calcium channel blocker is in the clinic for an annual physical examination. The cardiovascular examination is normal. As part of routine monitoring for this patient, the primary care NP should evaluate:
 
  a. serum calcium channel blocker level.
  b. complete blood count and electrolytes.
  c. liver function tests (LFTs) and renal function.
  d. thyroid and insulin levels.

[otokexnaru]

Answer to Question 1

A
Mild to moderate peripheral edema occurs in the lower extremities in about 10 of patients; this is caused by arterial dilation, not by left ventricular dysfunction. Amlodipine is less likely to have this effect. Renal function tests are not indicated. Increasing the nifedipine dose would worsen the symptoms.

Answer to Question 2

C
Patients who take calcium channel blockers should have periodic renal and LFTs.

[Caiter2013]

Excellent

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