The nurse is aware that one of the following classes of medications maximizes cardiac performance in clients with heart failure by increasing ventricular contractility?

Beta-adrenergic blockersCalcium channel blockerDiuretics Inotropic agents

Explanation.

Inotropic agents are administered to increase the force of the heart’s contractions, thereby increasing ventricular contractility and ultimately increasing cardiac output. Beta-adrenergic blockers and calcium channel blockers decrease the heart rate and ultimately decreased the workload of the heart. Diuretics are administered to decrease the overall vascular volume, also decreasing the workload of the heart.