Question

A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has hypertension and a new prescription for verapamil. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

(a) Verapamil is a diuretic, which means it helps the body get rid of excess fluid.
(b) Verapamil should be taken with food, as it can cause stomach upset if taken on an empty stomach.
(c) Verapamil is a beta-blocker, which means it slows down the heart rate and lowers blood pressure.
(d) Verapamil can interact with grapefruit juice, so the client should avoid drinking it while taking the medication.

Answer 1

Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker and should be taken with food to avoid stomach upset. It is crucial to avoid grapefruit juice as it can interact with the medication and increase its blood levels, potentially causing adverse effects.

Step-by-step explanation:

When teaching a client with hypertension about their new prescription for verapamil, it is important to provide accurate and helpful information. Verapamil is not a diuretic nor is it a beta-blocker; rather, it is classified as a calcium channel blocker. Its action involves the inhibition of calcium ion influx into cardiac and smooth muscle cells, resulting in a decrease in cardiac contractility and dilation of the arteries, which lowers blood pressure.

Specific instructions for taking verapamil include taking it with food to help reduce the potential for stomach upset. Another crucial piece of information is that verapamil can interact with grapefruit juice, so clients should be advised to avoid consuming grapefruit juice while on this medication. The interaction could lead to increased levels of verapamil in the blood, potentially causing adverse effects.