Question

A nurse is teaching a client who is starting to take diltiazem (a calcium channel blocker). Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as an indication that the client understands the teaching?

a) I should take this medication with a glass of grapefruit juice.
b) It's okay to skip a dose if I don't feel like I need it.
c) I will check my pulse before taking each dose, and if it's below 60, I'll hold the medication.
d) I can stop taking the medication once my blood pressure is consistently normal.

Answer 1

I will check my pulse before taking each dose, and if it's below 60, I'll hold the medication. The correct option is c.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement is option c. It demonstrates a good understanding of the teaching regarding the medication diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker. Checking the pulse before taking each dose and withholding the medication if the pulse is below 60 indicates the client's awareness of the drug's potential side effects on heart rate.

Calcium channel blockers like diltiazem primarily affect the cardiovascular system by inhibiting calcium ions' entry into the myocardial and vascular smooth muscle cells, leading to vasodilation and decreased heart rate. Monitoring the pulse is crucial because these medications can cause bradycardia (slow heart rate) as a side effect. A pulse below 60 may indicate the need to withhold the medication to prevent complications.

Options a, b, and d are incorrect. Grapefruit juice can interact with diltiazem, increasing its concentration and the risk of adverse effects. Skipping a dose without consulting healthcare providers can lead to uncontrolled blood pressure and potential complications. Stopping the medication abruptly, as suggested in option d, is not advisable and should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional to avoid rebound hypertension or other adverse effects.

The correct option is c.