Diltiazem (Cardizem) has been prescribed for a patient newly diagnosed with Prinzmetal’s (variant) angina. What accurate action of diltiazem should the nurse include in the teaching plan?
It increases the contractile force of the heart.
It reduces heart palpitations.
It decreases coronary artery spasms.
It prevents the formation of plaque in the coronary arteries.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Diltiazem does not increase the contractile force of the heart. In fact, it is classified as a negative inotrope, meaning it decreases the force of heart contractions.
Choice B rationale
While diltiazem can affect heart rhythm, it does not specifically reduce heart palpitations. Its primary effect is to slow the heart rate and relax the blood vessels.
Choice C rationale
Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker used to manage cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, chronic stable angina, atrial fibrillation, and Prinzmetal’s angina. It works by inhibiting the calcium influx into cardiac and vascular smooth muscle during depolarization. This results in vasodilation, or the widening of blood vessels, which can help decrease coronary artery spasms, a characteristic feature of Prinzmetal’s angina.
Choice D rationale
Diltiazem does not prevent the formation of plaque in the coronary arteries. It primarily acts to relax the blood vessels and slow the heart rate.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Idiopathic vasospasm, or spontaneous constriction of the blood vessels, can cause myocardial ischemia. However, this is a relatively rare cause compared to atherosclerosis.
Choice B rationale
Atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of fatty plaques in the arteries, is the most common cause of myocardial ischemia. These plaques can restrict blood flow to the heart muscle, leading to ischemia.
Choice C rationale
Venous emboli, or blood clots that form in the veins, typically do not cause myocardial ischemia. These clots are more likely to cause problems in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) if they travel through the bloodstream.
Choice D rationale
Arterial emboli from a heart valve can cause myocardial ischemia, but this is less common than atherosclerosis. These emboli, or blood clots, can block blood flow to the heart muscle if they travel through the bloodstream.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Assessing the need for smoking cessation is a standard part of nursing care, especially for patients with circulatory issues. Smoking can exacerbate circulatory problems and delay wound healing.
Choice B rationale
Applying TED hose to bilateral legs might not be appropriate for this patient. TED hose are compression stockings designed to prevent deep vein thrombosis and promote circulation.
However, in a patient with weak pedal pulses and a full-thickness wound on the leg, the compression from the stockings could potentially worsen circulation to the area and impede wound healing.
Choice C rationale
Consulting physical therapy could be beneficial for this patient. Physical therapists can provide exercises and interventions to improve circulation and mobility, which could help with the patient’s circulatory issues and wound healing.
Choice D rationale
Obtaining an Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) with a hand-held Doppler could be useful in this situation. The ABI is a simple, non-invasive test that can help diagnose peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition that could be causing the patient’s weak pedal pulses and wound healing issues.
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