A nurse is performing an assessment on a client who has been taking verapamil as prescribed for two months. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as adverse effects of this medication? (Select all that apply.)
Explanation & Rationale
A. "Peripheral edema": Peripheral edema is a common side effect of verapamil, especially due to its calcium channel-blocking effects, which can lead to fluid retention in the lower extremities. B. "Bradycardia": Verapamil can cause bradycardia (a slow heart rate) because it is a calcium channel blocker that slows down conduction through the AV node. This is an important side effect to monitor for clients taking verapamil. C. "Constipation": Constipation is a common adverse effect of verapamil. The drug can reduce gastrointestinal motility, leading to difficulty in passing stools. D. "Reports of blurred vision": Blurred vision is not a typical side effect of verapamil. If a client reports blurred vision, it may be unrelated to the medication and should be further assessed for other causes. E. "Reports of insomnia": Insomnia is not a known common side effect of verapamil. It is more likely to cause sedation or fatigue rather than interfere with sleep. If insomnia occurs, it should be further investigated to rule out other causes.