The nurse is caring for a patient who is taking a calcium-channel blocker.
What adverse effects would the nurse caution this patient about?

Choice A rationale

Unstable angina is characterized by sudden, severe chest pain that occurs at rest or with minimal exertion and is not relieved by nitroglycerin. It represents an imminent risk of myocardial infarction.

Choice B rationale

Ischemic heart disease can cause various types of angina, including stable, unstable, and Prinzmetal’s angina. The term “ischemic” refers to a lack of blood flow to the heart muscle, but this choice is too broad.

Choice C rationale

Stable angina occurs when there is an imbalance between myocardial oxygen supply and demand, typically during physical exertion or emotional stress. It is characterized by predictable chest pain that is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin.

Choice D rationale

Prinzmetal’s angina, also known as variant angina, is caused by a spasm in the coronary arteries, which leads to a temporary reduction in blood flow. It can occur at rest and is not necessarily related to the imbalance of myocardial supply and demand.

Choice A rationale

Poor self-care is not directly associated with reddened, bleeding gums in this context.

Choice B rationale

While aspirin can cause bleeding issues, the context here is related to seizure disorder and phenytoin.

Choice C rationale

Phenytoin, an anticonvulsant used to manage seizures, can cause gingival hyperplasia, leading to reddened and bleeding gums.

Choice D rationale

Hepatotoxicity is related to liver damage and does not present with reddened, bleeding gums.