Calcium Channel Blockers

Question 1

Calcium Channel Blockers action

Answer 1

inhibit movement of calcium ions across the membranes of myocardial & arterial muscle cells, altering the action potential & blocking muscle cell contraction

Question 2

Calcium Channel Blockers drug names

Hint: end with “dipine”

Answer 2

Amlodipine
Diltiazem (special on their own)
Verapamil (special on their own)
Nicardipine
Nifedipine (does not affect HR)

Question 3

Calcium Channel Blockers contraindications

Answer 3

Allergy
Heart block
Sick Sinus syndrome
Renal/Hepatic dysfunction
Pregnancy
lactation

Question 4

Calcium Channel Blockers indications

Answer 4

Prinzmetal’s Angina (vasospasm)

Blood flow is limited

Question 5

Calcium Channel Blockers Drug-drug interactions

Answer 5

Cyclosporine (↑ in toxic effects)
Digoxin (cause a complete heart block & digoxin toxicity
Vary with each drug (use drug guide remind pt to first talk to doc when starting new treatments)

Question 6

Calcium Channel Blockers adverse effects

Answer 6

Hypotension (due to vasodilation)
Cardiac arrhythmias (Bradycardia)
GI upset
Skin reactions: Flushing or rash
Headache

Question 7

Calcium Channel Blockers Nursing Implications

Answer 7

HX, physical, allergies
Liver/Kidney dysfunction
Baseline skin assessment
Pregnancy & lactation status
Pain → location, onset, duration, intensity, measures to relieve the pain
BP, HR, listen to heart sounds, palpate peripheral pulses
Feeling skin warm/dry; appropriate for race
Baseline ECG
Respiratory status listen to lung sounds
Labs: Liver/kidney’s
Keep close eye on BP & cardiac rhythm, cardiac output, alert & oriented
Urine output
Nitrates & calcium → leads to a significant hypotension
Drug adverse effects
Follow up with cardiologist
CNS safety precaution
Life style modifications
Alleviation S&S of angina

Question 8

Calcium Channel Blockers prototype

Answer 8

Diltiazem

Question 9

Diltiazem action

Answer 9

Inhibits the movement of calcium ions across the membranes of myocardial & arterial muscle cells very effective at treating vasospasm in the artery

Question 10

Diltiazem adverse effects

Answer 10

Dizziness
Light-headedness
headache
asthenia (weakness)
peripheral edema
bradycardia 
atrioventricular block
flushing 
rash
nausea

Question 11

Diltiazem indications

Answer 11

Tx of prinzmetal angina