National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

What should be monitored for patients on calcium channel blockers?

1. Heart rate increase

2. Orthostatic hypotension

3. Respiratory rate

4. Body temperature

The correct answer is: Orthostatic hypotension

Monitoring for orthostatic hypotension is essential for patients on calcium channel blockers because these medications can cause vasodilation, which may lead to a decrease in blood pressure, especially when the patient changes position from lying to sitting or standing. This can result in symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, increasing the risk of falls. Assessing for orthostatic changes helps ensure patient safety and allows for timely intervention if significant hypotension occurs. While heart rate can also be impacted by calcium channel blockers—especially those used to manage arrhythmias—there is often a focus on monitoring blood pressure changes rather than increases in heart rate, especially since some of these medications are designed to lower heart rate. Respiratory rate and body temperature are less directly related to the action of calcium channel blockers and are not standard monitoring parameters specifically associated with this class of medication. Therefore, understanding the implications of orthostatic hypotension is crucial for managing patients on calcium channel blockers.