NURS 3100 Exam 1 Practice

A nurse teaches a student nurse about the pharmacological classification of drugs. The nurse evaluates that learning has occurred when the student makes which response?

1. An anti-anginal treats angina

2. An antihypertensive lowers blood pressure

3. A calcium channel blocker blocks heart calcium channels

4. An anticoagulant influences blood clotting

The correct answer is: A calcium channel blocker blocks heart calcium channels

When the student nurse mentions that a calcium channel blocker blocks heart calcium channels as a response to understanding the pharmacological classification of drugs, it indicates a correct understanding. Calcium channel blockers are a specific class of drugs that block the entry of calcium into the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels, leading to the relaxation of the blood vessels and reduced heart workload. This action helps in lowering blood pressure and reducing chest pain associated with angina. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the mechanism of action of the drugs mentioned. While option A mentions the treatment of angina, it does not explain how it works like option C does. Option B discusses the outcomes of using antihypertensive drugs but lacks the specificity of targeting calcium channels like option C. Option D briefly describes the outcome of using an anticoagulant but does not delve into the specific mechanism of action like option C does with calcium channel blockers.