Fitzgerald Nurse Practitioner (NP) Pre-Test Practice 2026 - Free NP Practice Questions and Study Guide

When a dihydropyridine (DHP) calcium channel blocker is added to a patient's hypertension regimen, one of the significant adverse effects to monitor for is peripheral edema. DHP calcium channel blockers work by causing vasodilation, which can lead to an accumulation of fluid in the extremities, particularly the ankles and feet. This peripheral edema occurs because these medications can disrupt the balance of fluids in the tissues, especially when used at higher doses.

While other adverse effects like flushing, hypokalemia, and hyperglycemia can occur with different classes of medications or in specific circumstances, they are not the primary concerns with DHP calcium channel blockers. Flushing is generally associated with non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, and hypokalemia is more common with thiazide diuretics rather than DHPs. Hyperglycemia can be a concern with certain antihypertensives, but again, it is not a direct effect of DHP calcium channel blockers, making peripheral edema the most relevant and common adverse effect to monitor.