Which agent is incorrectly identified as a calcium channel blocker by nursing students?

Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) and is not classified as a calcium channel blocker. Calcium channel blockers primarily work by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions through L-type calcium channels, which leads to relaxation of vascular smooth muscle and a decrease in blood pressure. Nicardipine, diltiazem, and verapamil all belong to this class and are used to manage hypertension through their effects on vascular smooth muscle and cardiac contractility. Understanding the differences in drug classes is crucial for effective patient management and pharmacological treatment strategies. In contrast, valsartan's mechanism involves blocking the effects of angiotensin II, which has different implications for blood pressure regulation.