If a client is taking a calcium channel blocker, what heart rate finding might the nurse expect?

When a client is taking a calcium channel blocker, the nurse might expect to find bradycardia, which is a slower than normal heart rate. Calcium channel blockers work by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions into cardiac and smooth muscle cells. This action leads to a decrease in myocardial contractility and a reduction in heart rate, as they slow down the conduction through the sinoatrial (SA) and atrioventricular (AV) nodes in the heart.

Since these drugs are often used to manage conditions such as hypertension and angina, a common therapeutic effect is the reduction of workload on the heart, which can lead to a more relaxed cardiac output and, subsequently, a lower heart rate. This response helps alleviate stress on the heart muscle and improves oxygen delivery, making it particularly beneficial for patients with heart-related issues.

In contrast, tachycardia—an increased heart rate, palpitations—perceived irregular heartbeats, and an irregular heartbeat—unpredictable rhythm, are not typical outcomes associated with calcium channel blockers. Rather, these conditions might result from other underlying issues or medications that stimulate cardiac activity. Therefore, the expectation of bradycardia aligns with the pharmacological effects of calcium channel blockers on heart rate regulation.