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What patient education is necessary regarding diet and drug interactions when taking Calcium Channel Blockers?
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Consume a high-fiber diet, maintain good oral hygiene, avoid grapefruit juice, and be aware of potential digoxin toxicity.
What are the nursing considerations for patients on Verapamil or Diltiazem specifically?
Monitor heart rate for bradycardia, ensure high fiber intake to prevent constipation, and educate about potential gingival hyperplasia.
Describe the effects of Calcium Channel Blockers on the SA node and AV node.
Slower heart rate (negative chronotropic effect) and slower conduction speed (negative dromotropic effect).
Which patients might not benefit from Calcium Channel Blockers due to their negative inotropic effect?
Patients with heart failure.
What symptoms might indicate digoxin toxicity in a patient on Calcium Channel Blockers?
Nausea, vomiting, vision changes, and dysrhythmias.
List two Non-Dihydropyridines and their classifications.
Verapamil (Phenylalkylamine), Diltiazem (Benzothiazepine).
What is the clinical significance of vasodilation caused by Calcium Channel Blockers?
Decreased arterial blood pressure, decreased systemic vascular resistance, decreased cardiac afterload, and increased blood flow to coronary arteries which prevents vasospasms.
What are the primary uses for Dihydropyridines?
Treat hypertension and angina.
What are the primary uses for Non-Dihydropyridines?
Treat hypertension, angina, and dysrhythmias.
What type of calcium channels do Calcium Channel Blockers primarily affect?
L-type of Calcium Channels
Which side effects should be monitored when patients are taking Calcium Channel Blockers?
Bradycardia, hypotension, reflex tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension, and potential dysrhythmias.
Why are Calcium Channel Blockers beneficial for treating hypertension and angina?
They cause vasodilation, reducing blood pressure and workload on the heart, and increasing coronary blood flow.
Which mnemonic is recommended to remember key points about Calcium Channel Blockers?
NURSE
Name three Dihydropyridines used in clinical practice.
Amlodipine, Felodipine, Nifedipine.
What is the negative inotropic effect of Calcium Channel Blockers?
Weaker heart contractions, leading to decreased oxygen demand in heart muscle.
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