BP Meds: Calcium Channel Blockers

Question 1

Common meds

Answer 1

Nifedipine
-pines
Verapamil
Diltiazem

Question 2

Action

Answer 2

Lead to vasodilation of vascular smooth muscle (arteries less in veins)
-verapamil and diltiazem work in the myocardium, SA node, and AV node decreasing force of contraction, HR, and slowing rate of conduction through the AV node

Question 3

Used to treat

Answer 3

• angina
• HTN
• verapamil and diltiazem also cardiac dysrhythmias

Question 4

Complications

Answer 4

• Nifedipine: reflex tachycardia, acute toxicity, orthostatic hypotension and peripheral edema
• Verapamil and Diltiazem: orthostatic hypotension, and peripheral edema, suppression of cardiac function, dysrhythmias, acute toxicity

Question 5

Nursing considerations

Answer 5

• nifedipine: too large a dose affects heart, monitor VS, monitor BP, weight, and edema
• verapamil and diltiazem: monitor VS, ECG