Calcium Channel Blockers are similar to which substance in their effect on the heart?

Prepare for your NCLEX-RN with the Mark Klimek Yellow Book Test. Study using flashcards, multiple choice questions, and gain insights with detailed hints and explanations. Get ready for your nursing career!

Calcium Channel Blockers function primarily by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions into the heart and vascular smooth muscle cells. This action leads to relaxation of the heart muscle, decreased heart rate, and reduction of the heart's demand for oxygen, ultimately lowering blood pressure.

The choice that correlates most closely with the effects of Calcium Channel Blockers is Valium. Valium, a benzodiazepine, has a calming effect on the central nervous system, which can indirectly reduce heart rate and promote relaxation. While not a direct cardiovascular agent, its sedative effects can create a similar outcome on heart function, such as decreased anxiety and stress, leading to lowered heart rate.

In contrast, Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, stimulates the heart, increasing heart rate and contractility, which is the opposite effect of Calcium Channel Blockers. Digitalis enhances the force of heart contractions, thus also differing in action. Aspirin primarily functions as an anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet agent and does not have direct effects on heart rate or contraction. Therefore, Valium is the substance that shares a similar principle of calming or relaxing the heart's function.

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