American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

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Calcium channel blockers can be recognized by which suffix?

-statin
-sartan
-olol
-dipine

The correct answer is: -dipine

Calcium channel blockers are a class of medications that primarily function by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions into cardiac and smooth muscle cells, thereby decreasing myocardial contractility and inducing vasodilation. The suffix that is commonly associated with this group of medications is -dipine. Medications such as amlodipine, nifedipine, and felodipine share this suffix and are recognized specifically for their use in treating hypertension and angina. This distinctive suffix helps healthcare providers identify the class of the drug and its therapeutic uses at a glance, facilitating a better understanding of the drug's action and potential side effects. This connection between the suffix and the drug class is a valuable tool in the pharmacological landscape, aiding in both education and clinical practice. The other suffixes mentioned serve different drug classes: -statin denotes HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors used to lower cholesterol; -sartan indicates angiotensin receptor blockers used primarily for hypertension and heart failure; while -olol refers to beta-blockers, which are used for a variety of cardiovascular conditions. Understanding these suffixes is an essential part of pharmacology training for healthcare professionals.