What is the primary effect of a calcium channel blocker on the heart?
- A. Decreases heart rate
- B. Increases heart rate
- C. Increases blood pressure
- D. Decreases blood pressure
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The primary effect of a calcium channel blocker on the heart is to decrease blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers block the entry of calcium into the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels and the heart. This causes vasodilation and reduces the force of contraction in the heart, leading to a decrease in blood pressure. Choices A and B are incorrect as calcium channel blockers typically do not directly affect heart rate. Choice C is incorrect because calcium channel blockers actually tend to lower blood pressure rather than increase it.
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What is the narrowing of the arteries due to the buildup of plaque, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes?
- A. Coronary artery disease
- B. Peripheral artery disease
- C. Aortic stenosis
- D. Mitral valve prolapse
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Coronary artery disease. This condition involves the narrowing of arteries supplying blood to the heart due to plaque buildup. Plaque can lead to blockages, causing heart attacks and strokes. Peripheral artery disease (B) affects arteries outside the heart. Aortic stenosis (C) is the narrowing of the aortic valve, not arteries. Mitral valve prolapse (D) is a condition affecting the mitral valve, not arteries. Therefore, A is the correct answer.
In penetrating heart injuries such as a stab wound, which of the following tears in the heart continues to bleed and does not seal with a clot?
- A. Pericardial tear
- B. Endocardial tear
- C. Epicardial tear
- D. Myocardial tear
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Myocardial tears do not seal easily, leading to continued bleeding and potential complications.
What is a type of medication that helps to prevent blood clots by thinning the blood?
- A. Anticoagulant
- B. Beta-blocker
- C. ACE inhibitor
- D. Calcium channel blocker
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Anticoagulant. Anticoagulants prevent blood clots by inhibiting the blood's ability to clot. They do not actually thin the blood, but rather prevent clots from forming. Beta-blockers (B), ACE inhibitors (C), and Calcium channel blockers (D) are not used to prevent blood clots. Beta-blockers are used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions, ACE inhibitors are used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, and Calcium channel blockers are used to treat high blood pressure and certain heart conditions.
As the charge nurse in a long-term-care (LTC) facility that has RN, LPN/LVN, and nursing assistant staff members, you have developed a plan for ongoing assessment of all residents with a diagnosis of heart failure. Which of these activities included in the plan is most appropriate to delegate to an LPN/LVN team leader?
- A. Weigh all residents with heart failure each morning.
- B. Listen to lung sounds and check for edema weekly.
- C. Review all heart failure medications with residents every month.
- D. Update activity plans for residents with heart failure every quarter.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Weighing residents is a routine task suitable for delegation to an LPN/LVN.
What type of medication is used to reduce high blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels?
- A. Calcium channel blocker
- B. Beta-blocker
- C. ACE inhibitor
- D. Diuretic
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Calcium channel blocker. These medications work by relaxing the blood vessels, leading to lower blood pressure. They inhibit the entry of calcium into the smooth muscle cells of the blood vessels, causing vasodilation. Beta-blockers (B) reduce heart rate and contractility. ACE inhibitors (C) block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, leading to vasodilation. Diuretics (D) work by increasing urine output to lower blood volume and pressure. In this case, the mechanism of action aligns with the desired effect of relaxing blood vessels to reduce high blood pressure.