leik - CCB review patient scenerios

A 68-year-old patient with hypertension is started on medication. Two weeks later, the patient reports bilateral ankle swelling. What should the NP teach the patient about this side effect? and what medication is the patient taking

Amlodipine…Peripheral edema is a common side effect of calcium channel blockers

A patient taking medication for hypertension and complains of constipation. What medication? Which patient education should the NP provide?

Verapamil Increase fluids and dietary fiber intake causes constipation

What Hypertensive medication causes dizziness and a heart rate of 48 bpm. Which adverse effect should the NP suspect? what is the medication

Bradycardia - diltiazem

Patient presents to the office with c/o severe hypotension and bradycardia. What condition should the NP suspect?

Calcium channel blocker poisoning - A patient accidentally takes too many calcium channel blockers and

A patient prescribed nifedipine asks if they can stop the medication once blood pressure improves. What is the best NP response?

Do not stop the medication without consulting your healthcare provider

A patient with hypertension asks how calcium channel blockers lower blood pressure. What is the best explanation?

They relax blood vessels and decrease cardiac workload

A patient taking amlodipine reports dizziness when standing up quickly. What safety teaching should the NP provide?

Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions

A patient taking verapamil also takes metoprolol. What serious complication should the NP monitor for?

Bradycardia and heart block

A patient with heart failure is prescribed a non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker. Which medication should be used cautiously?

Verapamil

A patient taking nifedipine reports headaches and facial flushing. What should the NP teach the patient?

These are common side effects of vasodilation

An older adult taking amlodipine reports swollen ankles at the end of the day. Which intervention may help reduce symptoms?

Elevating the legs

A patient taking diltiazem asks whether grapefruit juice is safe to drink daily. What should the NP advise?

Avoid grapefruit juice because it can increase medication levels

A patient prescribed verapamil asks which pulse rate should prompt holding the medication and calling the provider. What is the best response?

Hold the medication if pulse is below 50 bpm

A patient taking calcium channel blockers complains of fatigue and weakness. Which vital sign should the NP assess first?

Heart rate

A patient with hypertension is prescribed amlodipine and asks when the medication should start lowering blood pressure. What should the NP teach?

Take the medication daily even if blood pressure improvement is not immediate

A patient taking verapamil develops gingival hyperplasia. What patient education is most appropriate?

Maintain good oral hygiene and regular dental visits

A patient with chest pain and hypertension is prescribed diltiazem. Which additional benefit may this medication provide?

Reduced angina symptoms

A patient taking nifedipine asks whether the medication can be crushed. What should the NP teach regarding extended-release formulations?

Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets

A patient taking amlodipine reports feeling lightheaded after drinking alcohol. What should the NP teach?

Alcohol can increase the blood pressure-lowering effects

A patient with hypertension asks why regular blood pressure monitoring is important while taking calcium channel blockers. What is the best response?

Monitoring helps evaluate medication effectiveness and safety

A patient taking verapamil develops severe constipation and abdominal discomfort. What action should the NP recommend first?

Increase fiber, fluids, and physical activity

A patient on diltiazem presents with fainting and hypotension. Which assessment finding would concern the NP most?

Bradycardia

A patient taking calcium channel blockers asks which over-the-counter medication should be used cautiously. What is the best response?

Use caution with medications that may also lower blood pressure

A patient prescribed amlodipine asks about safety during pregnancy. What should the NP advise?

Discuss risks and benefits with the healthcare provider before use

A patient taking verapamil reports taking herbal supplements. Which supplement may increase bleeding or medication interactions and should be discussed with the provider?

St. John’s wort