Pharm Exam Final: Adjuncts Flashcards
Mr. Spencer is in your preoperative holding room, scheduled for a CABG x 4 this am. You realize that he has not had his beta blocker this am. Which beta-blocker will you administer???
Labetalol
Metoprolol
Carvedilol
Esmolol
Propranolol
The best choice for Mr. Spencer, who is scheduled for a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and has not received his beta-blocker in the morning, would likely be Metoprolol. This is because Metoprolol is a beta-1 selective blocker that has a cardio-protective effect by decreasing heart rate, myocardial contractility, and thus myocardial oxygen demand, which is particularly beneficial in the context of ischemic heart disease and perioperative myocardial protection. It is also commonly used pre- and post-operatively in patients undergoing cardiac surgery to manage blood pressure and reduce the risk of arrhythmias.
Esmolol could be considered as well due to its rapid onset and short duration, which offers a good control over the hemodynamic status intraoperatively. However, Metoprolol’s longer duration of action makes it a more practical choice for ongoing perioperative beta-blockade, provided there is sufficient time before surgery for its effects to manifest.
Labetalol and Carvedilol, while they provide both alpha- and beta-blockade, might not be preferred in this setting due to their additional alpha-blocking effects which can lead to more pronounced hypotension. Propranolol is non-selective and not typically favored in the perioperative setting for CABG due to its non-cardioselective effects.
You are in the process of extubating a patient immediately following a left carotid endarterectomy. His blood pressure is 210/64. Which of the following drugs would be most desirable?
Labetalol
Metoprolol
Esmolol
Propranolol
Esmolol would be the most desirable drug to administer.
Here’s why:
Esmolol is a short-acting, beta-1 selective blocker with a rapid onset and a very short duration of action, allowing for titratable control of blood pressure during the immediate postoperative period. This is particularly useful in a patient with marked hypertension as it helps prevent surges in blood pressure that can be detrimental following vascular surgeries, especially procedures involving the carotid artery.
Labetalol has combined alpha and beta blockade properties. While it is effective for rapid blood pressure control, the patient’s diastolic blood pressure is relatively low, and labetalol’s additional alpha-blocking effects could potentially cause further lowering of the diastolic pressure, leading to inadequate coronary perfusion.
Metoprolol is a beta-1 selective blocker that is longer-acting compared to esmolol. It may not be the best choice for immediate blood pressure control in the post-extubation period due to its slower onset of action.
Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker and can have a more pronounced effect on the heart rate and myocardial contractility, which may not be desirable in the immediate postoperative setting. It also has a longer duration of action and is not as easily titratable as esmolol.
Your end-stage COPD patient needs emergent blood pressure control in the ICU. Which of the following medications might worsen his PaO2 the most?
Nitroglycerin
Sodium nitroprusside
Hydralazine
Labetalol
Answer: Sodium nitroprusside
dissociates immediately upon contact w/ oxyhemoglobin → Methb → releases cyanide and NO *may worsen PaO2 in COPD
Your physician is closing the neck incision following an uneventful right carotid endarterectomy. You have reversed the muscle relaxant and the patient is spontaneously breathing at 20/min; BP 140/90 and climbing, HR 84 and climbing. Your 1st intervention is:
cardene gtt and narcotic
-don’t inc MAC of gas or redose NMBD (bc closing, adequate RR)
Which beta-blocker is the most B1 selective, making it particularly important when B2 agonist receptor activity is crucial?
A) Metoprolol
B) Esmolol
C) Atenolol
D) Propranolol
Correct Answer: C) Atenolol
Rationale: Atenolol is the most B1 selective beta-blocker, which is significant for conditions where preservation of B2 agonist activity is essential, such as asthma.
Labetalol’s beta to alpha blocking ratio is significant for its application. What is this ratio for its intravenous form?
A) 3:1
B) 7:1
C) 5:2
D) 1:1
Correct Answer: B) 7:1
Rationale: Labetalol’s beta to alpha blocking ratio of 7:1 for the IV form indicates a preferential blockade of beta receptors over alpha, affecting both blood pressure and heart rate.
Ephedrine is the preferred sympathomimetic for which patient population, particularly during regional anesthesia?
A) Elderly
B) Pediatric
C) Parturient
D) Hypertensive
Correct Answer: C) Parturient
Rationale: Ephedrine is preferred in parturients (pregnant patients undergoing delivery) because it doesn’t significantly affect uterine blood flow, which is crucial during childbirth.
What is the initial dosing for Sodium Nitroprusside when used to cause relaxation of arterial and venous smooth muscle?
A) 0.5 mcg/kg/min
B) 1 mcg/kg/min
C) 0.3 mcg/kg/min
D) 2 mcg/kg/min
Correct Answer: C) 0.3 mcg/kg/min
Rationale: The initial dosing of Sodium Nitroprusside is crucial for the controlled induction of hypotension and is started at a relatively low dose to monitor and control its potent effects.
titrated to 2 mcg/kg/min (micro-titration)
Which of the following is not an effect of Phenylephrine due to its action on alpha receptors?
A) Decrease in heart rate
B) Increase in blood pressure
C) Coronary artery vasoconstriction
D) Increase in peripheral vascular resistance
Correct Answer: C) Coronary artery vasoconstriction
Rationale: Phenylephrine primarily causes venous constriction, which indirectly can lead to reflex bradycardia, but it does not have a direct effect on coronary artery constriction.
Very useful in CAD and AS… no tachycardia
For patients with excessive sympathetic nervous system stimulation due to acute cocaine ingestion, which class of drugs is indicated?
A) Alpha-agonists
B) Beta-blockers
C) Calcium channel blockers
D) Nitric oxide supplements
Correct Answer: B) Beta-blockers
Rationale: Beta-blockers are indicated to counteract the excessive sympathetic nervous system stimulation associated with acute cocaine ingestion.
What is the primary effect of Nicardipine, and how is it dosed for the short-term control of hypertension?
A) Increases venous capacitance; 5mg/hr
B) Decreases heart rate; 2.5 mg IV bolus
C) Arteriolar vasodilation; 5mg/hr
D) Arteriolar vasodilation; starts at 5mg/hr and can be increased in increments
Correct Answer: D) Arteriolar vasodilation; starts at 5mg/hr and can be increased in increments
Rationale: Nicardipine is primarily used for arteriolar vasodilation to control blood pressure and is dosed starting at 5mg/hr, with adjustments based on blood pressure response.
Increase 2.5 mg/hr x 4 to max of 15mg/hr
dihydropyridine L-type CCB with a selective arterial vasodilator
Ephedrine’s effect compared to Epinephrine is:
A) Shorter-lasting and more intense
B) Longer-lasting and less intense
C) Same duration but more intense
D) Same duration but less intense
Correct Answer: B) Longer-lasting and less intense
What is the mechanism of action for Labetalol?
A) Selective alpha1 and non-selective B1 agonist
B) Selective alpha1 and non-selective B1 antagonist
C) Non-selective alpha and selective B1 antagonist
D) Non-selective alpha and B1 agonist
Correct Answer: B) Selective alpha1 and non-selective B1 antagonist
Rationale: Labetalol has a combined antagonist effect on both alpha1 and beta receptors, which makes it effective for lowering systemic blood pressure while attenuating reflex tachycardia through beta-blockade.
Maximum effect of IV dose 5-10 minutes
Usual dose 2.5-5 mg IV; may increase to 10mg IV
Which vasopressor is indicated for reversing catecholamine-resistant hypotension and has an antidiuretic effect?
A) Epinephrine
B) Phenylephrine
C) Ephedrine
D) Vasopressin
Correct Answer: D) Vasopressin
Rationale: Vasopressin, an analog of arginine vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone), can effectively reverse hypotension that does not respond to catecholamines and can increase water reabsorption in the kidneys.
Which drug is primarily indicated for use in the immediate postoperative period for thyrotoxicosis to protect against excessive sympathetic stimulation?
A) Propofol
B) Esmolol
C) Atropine
D) Hydralazine
Correct Answer: B) Esmolol
Rationale: Esmolol is a short-acting beta-blocker beneficial for controlling the cardiovascular manifestations of thyrotoxicosis, such as tachycardia and hypertension.
Propranolol is known for its beta-blocking effects, but it also decreases the clearance of which other types of drugs?
A) Diuretics
B) Antihypertensives
C) Opioids and amine local anesthetics
D) Anticoagulants
Correct Answer: C) Opioids and amine local anesthetics
Rationale: Propranolol, through its systemic effects, can decrease the hepatic blood flow and thereby reduce the clearance of other drugs metabolized in the liver, including opioids and amine local anesthetics.
What is the main therapeutic effect of Atenolol that is pertinent to its perioperative use?
A) Reducing anxiety
B) Decreasing blood glucose levels
C) Limiting myocardial ischemia complications
D) Promoting diuresis
Correct Answer: C) Limiting myocardial ischemia complications
Rationale: Atenolol is used pre- and post-non-cardiac surgery in patients with coronary artery disease to decrease the incidence of myocardial ischemia and related complications.
In the setting of aortic surgery, which agent is used to produce controlled hypotension?
A) Sodium nitroprusside
B) Nitroglycerin
C) Hydralazine
D) Metoprolol
Correct Answer: A) Sodium nitroprusside
Rationale: Sodium nitroprusside’s rapid onset and potent vasodilatory effects make it suitable for inducing controlled hypotension during surgeries like aortic procedures to reduce bleeding.
What is the role of calcium channel blockers in anesthesia, particularly concerning the speed of conduction through the AV node?
A) They increase the speed of conduction.
B) They have no effect on the speed of conduction.
C) They decrease the speed of conduction.
D) They intermittently alter the speed of conduction.
Correct Answer: C) They decrease the speed of conduction.
Rationale: Calcium channel blockers decrease the influx of calcium ions through L-type channels, especially affecting the conduction through the AV node, which can be beneficial in controlling supraventricular tachycardias.
Which drug has a primary action of arterial and venous vasodilation, has a transient duration, and requires invasive arterial monitoring during administration?
A) Nitroglycerin
B) Nicardipine
C) Sodium nitroprusside
D) Hydralazine
Correct Answer: C) Sodium nitroprusside
Rationale: Sodium nitroprusside is a potent vasodilator affecting both arteries and veins, used in controlled hypotensive techniques, and requires close hemodynamic monitoring due to its powerful effects.
Initial dose: 0.3 mcg/kg/min…titrated to 2 mcg/kg/min
For a patient experiencing myocardial ischemia, which drug is preferred for its venodilating properties that alleviate pulmonary congestion?
A) Nitroglycerin
B) Esmolol
C) Metoprolol
D) Vasopressin
Correct Answer: A) Nitroglycerin
Rationale: Nitroglycerin is primarily a venodilator at lower doses and helps relieve pulmonary congestion and limit myocardial ischemia by reducing preload.
Which drug is a direct arterial vasodilator, known to cause reflex tachycardia, and has a peak plasma concentration effect in about one hour?
A) Esmolol
B) Nitroglycerin
C) Nicardipine
D) Hydralazine
Correct Answer: D) Hydralazine
Rationale: Hydralazine is a direct arteriolar vasodilator, and its effects on lowering blood pressure can trigger a compensatory increase in heart rate. Its onset and duration of action make it suitable for acute blood pressure control but require monitoring due to possible reflex hemodynamic changes.
Onset: peak plasma concentration 1 hr
½ life: 3-7 hours
Initial dose: 2.5 mg IV
What is a likely effect of chronic administration of beta-blockers (BB) on beta-adrenergic receptors?
A) Downregulation and decreased number of receptors
B) Upregulation and increased number of receptors
C) No change in receptor numbers but decreased sensitivity
D) Irreversible binding and inactivation of receptors
Correct Answer: B) Upregulation and increased number of receptors
Rationale: Chronic administration of BB leads to upregulation of beta-adrenergic receptors, which may restore receptor responsiveness after desensitization from catecholamines.
What pharmacological feature distinguishes Atenolol from other beta-1 selective antagonists in terms of diabetic care?
A) It potentiates insulin-induced hypoglycemia.
B) It is metabolized quickly, reducing the risk of hypoglycemia.
C) It does not potentiate insulin-induced hypoglycemia.
D) It directly stimulates insulin release.
Correct Answer: C) It does not potentiate insulin-induced hypoglycemia.
Rationale: Atenolol is beta-1 selective and does not interfere with the beta-2-mediated glycogenolysis, making it a safer choice for diabetics.
In the treatment of acute myocardial ischemia, what is the role of nitroglycerin (NTG)?
A) It primarily causes arterial vasodilation.
B) It induces significant bradycardia.
C) It causes venous pooling and reduction of preload to the right heart.
D) It has a sustained effect without the risk of tachyphylaxis.
Correct Answer: C) It causes venous pooling and reduction of preload to the right heart.
Rationale: NTG acts primarily on venous capacitance vessels at lower doses, reducing preload and relieving symptoms of pulmonary congestion associated with ischemic heart disease.
When considering the use of beta-1 selective antagonists like Metoprolol for a patient with asthma, what is a significant concern?
A) They can potentially cause bronchoconstriction.
B) They have no effect on bronchial smooth muscle.
C) They can exacerbate hypoglycemic episodes.
D) They increase the risk of hypertensive episodes.
Correct Answer: A) They can potentially cause bronchoconstriction.
Rationale: While Metoprolol is beta-1 selective, at higher doses, selectivity can be lost, potentially affecting beta-2 receptors and causing bronchoconstriction.
but typically.. Selective B1
Bronchodilator, vasodilator, and metabolic effects of B2 receptors intact
Usually dosed 1mg q 5 minutes IV….. in blocks of 5mgs
Which beta-blocker would be most appropriate for short-term management of increased blood pressure during surgical extubation?
A) Propranolol
B) Atenolol
C) Esmolol
D) Labetalol
Correct Answer: C) Esmolol
Rationale: Esmolol has the most rapid onset and offset, making it suitable for acute, short-term situations like surgical extubation.
What is a significant consideration when administering Ephedrine to a patient who is chronically on beta-blockers?
A) Ephedrine will produce a heightened response.
B) Ephedrine’s effects will be prolonged.
C) Ephedrine may not produce the expected response due to beta-blockade.
D) Ephedrine will cause an immediate drop in heart rate.
Correct Answer: C) Ephedrine may not produce the expected response due to beta-blockade.
Rationale: Ephedrine exerts its effects by inducing the release of norepinephrine, which may be blunted in the presence of beta-blockers, leading to an attenuated response.
dose: 5-10mg IV
For a patient on ACE inhibitors experiencing hypotension, which vasopressor is appropriate?
A) Epinephrine
B) Ephedrine
C) Phenylephrine
D) Vasopressin
Correct Answer: D) Vasopressin
Rationale: Vasopressin acts independently of the sympathetic nervous system and can be effective in reversing hypotension that does not respond to catecholamines, which is beneficial in patients on ACE inhibitors.
What is the expected effect of activating beta-1 adrenergic receptors with a low dose of a selective agonist?
A) Decreased myocardial contractility
B) Bronchodilation
C) Increased heart rate and myocardial contractility
D) Vasoconstriction of peripheral vessels
Answer: C) Increased heart rate and myocardial contractility
Rationale: Beta-1 receptors are primarily located in the heart. Their activation leads to increased heart rate (positive chronotropic effect) and increased myocardial contractility (positive inotropic effect).
Which dose of Esmolol would you administer for rapid control of a perioperative hypertension crisis?
A) 0.5 mg/kg
B) 20-30 mg as a bolus
C) 5 mg/kg
D) 1-2 mg/kg
Answer: B) 20-30 mg as a bolus
There is another slide with IV dosing of esmolol of 10-80mg IV.. I also found research supporting these doses.
Rationale: Esmolol is typically given in bolus doses of 20-30 mg for rapid onset in controlling acute hypertensive episodes, due to its short action and titratable nature.
A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is in need of a beta-blocker. Which one of the following would be most appropriate?
A) Propranolol
B) Labetalol
C) Metoprolol
D) Esmolol
Answer: C) Metoprolol
Rationale: Metoprolol is a beta-1 selective antagonist and is less likely to provoke bronchoconstriction, which can be exacerbated by non-selective beta-blockers in COPD patients.
Esmolol - A very short-acting beta-1 selective blocker used primarily in acute settings, such as during surgery or in intensive care units. While it is selective, its short duration of action and intravenous administration limit its use in chronic management.
For a hypertensive episode during surgery, what initial intravenous dose of Labetalol is recommended?
A) 20 mg IV
B) 2.5 mg - 5mg IV
C) 10 mg IV
D) 15 mg IV
B) 2.5 mg - 5mg IV
Maximum effect of IV dose 5-10 minutes
Usual dose 2.5-5 mg IV; may increase to 10mg IV
When using Phenylephrine for blood pressure control, what dose is typically given as an intravenous push (IVP)?
A) 100 mcg
B) 500 mcg
C) 10 mcg
D) 1 mg
Answer: A) 100 mcg
Rationale: Phenylephrine is commonly used in 100 mcg increments for IVP to manage hypotension.
For patients undergoing a non-cardiac surgery, who are at risk for myocardial infarction and are already on beta-blockers, the SCIP recommends:
A) Discontinuation of beta-blockers 24 hours before surgery
B) Administration of beta-blockers within the 24 hours before surgery
C) Switching from beta-1 selective to non-selective beta-blockers
D) Doubling the dose of beta-blockers on the day of surgery
Answer: B) Administration of beta-blockers within the 24 hours before surgery
Rationale: The SCIP recommends continuing beta-blockers for those at risk for myocardial infarction who are already on these medications.
Does not say what type of BB or the dose.. IE can give a small dose.
For a patient on chronic beta-blockade with a presentation of cocaine-induced tachycardia and hypertension, which beta-blocker would be contraindicated due to the risk of unopposed alpha stimulation?
A. Atenolol
B. Esmolol
C. Labetalol
D. Propranolol
Correct Answer: D. Propranolol
Rationale: Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker and can worsen cocaine-induced coronary vasoconstriction due to unopposed alpha-adrenergic activity.
A patient in the OR shows signs of myocardial depression from the anesthetic agents used. Which concurrent medication might potentiate this effect?
A. Glycopyrrolate
B. Nicardipine
C. Ephedrine
D. Enflurane
Correct Answer: D. Enflurane
Rationale: Enflurane has been shown to have a synergistic effect with beta-blockers, leading to increased myocardial depression.
For the treatment of systemic hypertension in the OR, which CCB would you choose for its pronounced effect on peripheral artery dilation without significant cardiac depression?
A. Verapamil
B. Nifedipine
C. Nicardipine
D. Diltiazem
Correct Answer: C. Nicardipine
Rationale: Nicardipine has the greatest effect on peripheral artery dilation with only slight myocardial depression.
Which vasopressor would be the choice for managing hypotension in a patient under regional anesthesia due to its greater venous constriction compared to arterial constriction, helping to increase preload?
A. Epinephrine
B. Phenylephrine
C. Ephedrine
D. Vasopressin
Correct Answer: B. Phenylephrine
Rationale: Phenylephrine acts primarily on alpha-1 receptors causing venous constriction, which increases venous return and cardiac preload.
How do beta antagonists contribute to the management of tachyphylaxis in the perioperative setting?
A. They increase the production of catecholamines.
B. They restore receptor responsiveness after desensitization.
C. They cause desensitization of receptors.
D. They have no effect on receptor responsiveness.
Correct Answer: B. They restore receptor responsiveness after desensitization.
Which of the following is a potential cardioprotective effect of beta antagonists during surgery?
A. They increase cardiac oxygen demand.
B. They induce perioperative ischemia.
C. They protect myocytes from perioperative ischemia and infarction.
D. They increase renin release.
Correct Answer: C. They protect myocytes from perioperative ischemia and infarction.
What effect do beta antagonists have on arterial vascular tone?
A. They may decrease arterial vascular tone and reduce afterload.
B. They may increase arterial vascular tone and increase afterload.
C. They have no effect on arterial vascular tone.
D. They increase arterial vascular resistance.
Correct Answer: A. They may decrease arterial vascular tone and reduce afterload.
Beta antagonists can decrease cardiac output (CO). What additional effect on the renin-angiotensin system do they exhibit?
A. They stimulate renin release.
B. They inhibit renin release.
C. They have no effect on renin release.
D. They increase angiotensin conversion.
Correct Answer: B. They inhibit renin release.
What percentage of beta receptors in the myocardium are B1 receptors?
A. 25%
B. 50%
C. 75%
D. 100%
Correct Answer: C. 75%
Which of the following B1 selective agents is known for not causing vasodilation?
A. Atenolol
B. Metoprolol
C. Esmolol
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D. All of the above
Considering their selectivity for B1 receptors, which of the following is a common characteristic of the listed medications?
A. They are likely to cause bronchoconstriction.
B. They are typically used to treat hypertension and dysrhythmias.
C. They primarily have vasodilatory effects.
D. They increase myocardial oxygen demand.
B. They are typically used to treat hypertension and dysrhythmias.
Which B1 selective agent is primarily cleared renally?
A. Propranolol
B. Metoprolol
C. Atenolol
D. Esmolol
Correct Answer: C. Atenolol
hich agent has the shortest elimination half-life (E ½ time)?
A. Propranolol
B. Metoprolol
C. Atenolol
D. Esmolol
Correct Answer: D. Esmolol
about 10 min
Regarding cardiac selectivity, which medication listed does NOT possess this property?
A. Propranolol
B. Metoprolol
C. Atenolol
D. Esmolol
Correct Answer: A. Propranolol
What is the main pathway of clearance for Esmolol?
A. Hepatic
B. Renal
C. Plasma hydrolysis
D. Biliary
Correct Answer: C. Plasma hydrolysis
Which of these beta-blockers has active metabolites?
A. Propranolol
B. Metoprolol
C. Atenolol
D. Esmolol
Correct Answer: A. Propranolol
What is the usual adult IV dose range for Metoprolol?
A. 1-10 mg
B. 1-15 mg
C. 5-10 mg
D. 10-80 mg
Correct Answer: B. 1-15 mg