Which class of medications is suggested for stage C patients with heart failure who may need additional treatment for hypertension?

Prepare for the Heart Failure Nursing Certification Test. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each featuring hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

For patients in stage C heart failure who may require additional treatment for hypertension, dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers are appropriate. This class of medications works by relaxing the vascular smooth muscle, leading to vasodilation and a subsequent reduction in blood pressure. This can be particularly beneficial for heart failure patients, as managing hypertension is crucial in this population to prevent exacerbation of heart failure symptoms.

In the context of heart failure, controlling blood pressure can alleviate the workload on the heart, helping to improve symptoms and overall cardiac function. Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, such as amlodipine or nifedipine, are often preferred because they primarily target systemic vascular resistance and are less likely to negatively impact cardiac contractility, making them safer than some alternatives.

Other medication classes mentioned are not primarily indicated for managing hypertension in stage C heart failure. Loop diuretics are effective for managing fluid overload but do not address blood pressure control directly. Beta blockers have a role in heart failure management to improve cardiac function and reduce mortality, but their primary purpose isn't to lower blood pressure acutely. Digoxin is more focused on improving cardiac contractility and controlling heart rate rather than serving as an antihypertensive agent. Therefore, dihyd

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy