Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) Practice Exam

Which health condition requires the use of calcium channel blockers as part of management?

1. Atrial fibrillation

2. Heart attack

3. Stable angina

4. Diabetic nephropathy

The correct answer is: Stable angina

Calcium channel blockers are commonly used in the management of stable angina. This condition occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood during physical activity or stress, leading to chest pain or discomfort. Calcium channel blockers work by inhibiting the entry of calcium into cardiac and smooth muscle cells. This action results in the relaxation of blood vessels, which decreases the heart's workload and oxygen demand. By dilating the arteries, calcium channel blockers help improve blood flow to the heart muscle, thereby alleviating the symptoms of angina. They can be used alone or in combination with other medications to effectively manage stable angina and improve the quality of life for patients. In contrast, while atrial fibrillation and heart attacks might involve some treatment strategies that could include calcium channel blockers, they are not primarily managed with them. Atrial fibrillation may require anticoagulants and rate control medications, whereas a heart attack generally necessitates immediate interventions that include antiplatelets and possibly reperfusion therapy. Diabetic nephropathy usually focuses on controlling blood sugar levels and blood pressure, often using ACE inhibitors or ARBs rather than calcium channel blockers.