A client with hypertension asks the nurse to explain how amlodipine besylate (Norvasc) lowers her blood pressure. The nurse gives which explanation to the client?
“It prevents calcium from entering the smooth muscle, which relaxes the blood vessels to lower heart rate and blood pressure.”
“It is a diuretic that works by removing extra sodium and water from the body through the kidneys, which helps lower blood pressure.”
“It causes the body to produce less angiotensin, which allows blood vessels to relax and open up, therefore reducing blood pressure.”
“It lowers blood pressure by lowering the heart rate and the workload of the heart, and decreases the amount of blood pumped out of the heart.”
Norvasc is a calcium channel blocker. Calcium causes the heart to beat stronger and harder, so by blocking it, the blood pressure is lowered. Option 2 describes the action of diuretics, such as furosemide. Option 3 describes ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors, such as lisinopril. Option 4 describes the action of beta-blockers, such as metoprolol tartrate.
