What therapeutic response should a nurse expect from a patient receiving nifedipine?

In the context of a patient receiving nifedipine, the expected therapeutic response is the reduction in blood pressure, which aligns with the anticipated outcome of this medication. Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker primarily used for the management of hypertension and certain types of angina. By inhibiting calcium influx into vascular smooth muscle, nifedipine causes vasodilation, effectively lowering systemic vascular resistance and thereby reducing blood pressure.

The expected blood pressure of 128/77 mm Hg reflects a controlled and healthy level, indicating that the medication is achieving its desired effect in managing hypertension. This improvement in blood pressure can help decrease the risk of complications associated with uncontrolled hypertension, such as stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular events.

While other laboratory values and outcomes can be important in overall patient health, such as the electrocardiogram readings, cholesterol levels, or weight, they do not specifically align as direct therapeutic responses to the administration of nifedipine. Thus, the reduction in blood pressure is the most relevant and direct indicator of nifedipine’s effectiveness in the context of this therapy.