Which condition should be monitored due to the side effects of calcium channel blockers?

Which condition should be monitored due to the side effects of calcium channel blockers?

• A. Hypotension
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Hyperthermia
• D. Sepsis

Answer: (A)

Monitoring for hypotension is essential when a patient is on calcium channel blockers because these medications can lead to a decrease in blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers function by relaxing vascular smooth muscle and dilating peripheral arteries, which can lower systemic vascular resistance and lead to hypotensive episodes. Patients may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting as a consequence of hypotension, especially when changing positions or during activities that require increased blood pressure levels, like exercising. Therefore, consistent evaluation of blood pressure is crucial to ensure that it remains within a safe range and to intervene promptly if significant drops occur. The other conditions mentioned, like bradycardia, while also a side effect of some calcium channel blockers, is not as commonly monitored as hypotension in the overall patient population taking these drugs. Hyperthermia and sepsis are conditions that typically fall outside the direct effects of calcium channel blockers and are not specifically related to their pharmacological profile.

Monitoring for hypotension is essential when a patient is on calcium channel blockers because these medications can lead to a decrease in blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers function by relaxing vascular smooth muscle and dilating peripheral arteries, which can lower systemic vascular resistance and lead to hypotensive episodes.

Patients may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting as a consequence of hypotension, especially when changing positions or during activities that require increased blood pressure levels, like exercising. Therefore, consistent evaluation of blood pressure is crucial to ensure that it remains within a safe range and to intervene promptly if significant drops occur.

The other conditions mentioned, like bradycardia, while also a side effect of some calcium channel blockers, is not as commonly monitored as hypotension in the overall patient population taking these drugs. Hyperthermia and sepsis are conditions that typically fall outside the direct effects of calcium channel blockers and are not specifically related to their pharmacological profile.