the nurse is administering a calcium channel blocker to a client what is the primary effect of this medication on the heart
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Cardiovascular System Exam Questions And Answers

1. What is the primary effect of a calcium channel blocker on the heart?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Decreases blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers primarily work by relaxing blood vessels, leading to a decrease in blood pressure. While these medications can have secondary effects on the heart, such as reducing the workload of the heart muscle, the primary effect related to blood pressure regulation. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not reflect the primary action of calcium channel blockers on the heart.

2. This medication type is used to relax and widen blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Vasodilator. Vasodilators are medications that work by relaxing and widening blood vessels, which improves blood flow and reduces blood pressure. They are commonly used in the treatment of heart conditions. Anticoagulants (choice B) are medications that prevent blood clot formation, diuretics (choice C) increase urine production to reduce fluid retention, and beta-blockers (choice D) reduce heart rate and workload on the heart. These mechanisms differ from the action of vasodilators.

3. The nurse is giving the client digoxin for heart failure and recognizes that the drug has what type of effect on the heart?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Positive inotropic, negative chronotropic effect. Digoxin strengthens the heart muscle, providing a positive inotropic effect, which increases the force of contraction. It also decreases the heart rate, having a negative chronotropic effect. Choice A is incorrect because digoxin has a positive inotropic effect, not a negative inotropic effect. Choice C is incorrect as digoxin does not have a positive chronotropic effect but a negative one. Choice D is incorrect because while digoxin has a positive inotropic effect, it does not have a positive chronotropic effect.

4. What is a condition where the lung's air sacs become inflamed and fill with fluid or pus, causing cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Pneumonia is the correct answer. It is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, leading to the accumulation of fluid or pus, which results in symptoms such as cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. Tuberculosis (choice B) is a bacterial infection affecting the lungs but does not typically cause the same acute symptoms as described. Asthma (choice C) is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, not specifically involving the air sacs. Bronchitis (choice D) is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, not the air sacs in the lungs, and does not typically cause the same symptoms as pneumonia.

5. What is a condition where the heart's ability to pump blood is decreased, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and other parts of the body?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, heart failure. Heart failure is a condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs and other areas. Choice B, Cardiomyopathy, refers to diseases of the heart muscle. Choices C and D, Pericarditis and Myocarditis, respectively, are conditions involving inflammation of the outer lining of the heart and the heart muscle itself, which may not always directly result in decreased pumping ability like heart failure does.

Similar Questions

A client on a beta blocker has a blood pressure of 90/60 mm Hg. What is the nurse’s priority action?
What is the condition where the heart's mitral valve becomes narrowed, restricting blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle?
What are the pressure-sensitive structures located in the aortic and carotid bodies called?
In cases of myocardial infarction leading to shock, which medication is appropriate to counteract shock?
The client on spironolactone (Aldactone) has a potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?

Access More Features

ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses