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

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Prepare for the AACN Certification Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

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What class of drugs should be avoided in patients with heart failure?

Beta-blockers
CCBs
ACE inhibitors
Diuretics

The correct answer is: CCBs

In patients with heart failure, the use of certain drugs can worsen the condition or lead to adverse effects. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are typically not recommended for patients with heart failure, particularly the non-dihydropyridine agents, such as verapamil and diltiazem. These medications can have negative inotropic effects, which means they can reduce the force of heart contractions. This can be particularly detrimental in heart failure patients, whose hearts are already struggling to pump efficiently. In contrast, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics have roles in the management of heart failure. Beta-blockers can improve heart function over time and reduce mortality. ACE inhibitors help to decrease the workload on the heart and improve symptoms by reducing blood pressure and fluid retention. Diuretics are often used to manage symptoms related to fluid overload, such as edema and shortness of breath. Therefore, CCBs are the class of drugs to be avoided in this patient population due to their potential to exacerbate heart failure.