Practice Questions

Question 1

Which drug would be most the useful in the treating a 70 year-old hypercalcemic male?

Answer 1

torsemide (Demadex)

Question 2

Potentially serious hyperkalemia would be expected with the simultaneous use of eplerenone (Inspra) and:

Answer 2

enlapril (Vasotec)

Question 3

When treating a hypertensive female, which combination of drugs will elevate the patient’s LDL concentration the most?

Answer 3

metoprolol (Lopressor) – hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix)

Question 4

4. When treating a 66-year-old male with hypertension and CHF, which of the following drugs would reduce edema and possibly elevate blood pressure due to increased renin secretion?

Answer 4

torsemide (Demedex)

Question 5

5. Which drug is contraindicated in patients with severe CHF?

Answer 5

mannitol (Osmitrol)

Question 6

When treating a patient with CHF that has a history of sulfonamide hypersensitivity, which of the following drugs would be your first choice?

Answer 6

ethacrynic acid (Edecrine)

Question 7

At which of the following sites will metolazone (Mykrex) inhibit sodium reabsorption?

Answer 7

distal convoluted tubule

Question 8

In Figure X, at what site is the 1 sodium 1 potassium 2 chloride transporter inhibited?

Answer 8

NKCC2 is blocked by Loop Diuretics in the thick ascending limb.

Causes hypokalemic, hypochloemic alkalosis

Question 9

When treating a patient with hypertension, which of the following drugs would be most likely to cause angioneurotic edema?

Answer 9

enlapril (Vasotec)

An ACE-Inhibitor (not positive inotropic)

Question 10

When treating edema, which of the following is the correct order from most effective to least effective?

Answer 10

furosamide (Lasix) > hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix) > amiloride

Loop > thiazides > CA > K sparing

Question 11

When treating a patient who has essential hypertension and CHF, which drug would lower blood pressure without causing reflex tachycardia?

Answer 11

carvedilol (Coreg)

an alpha and beta blocker

Question 12

What is the beneficial effect of dobutamine in the treatment of end-stage CHF?

Answer 12

inotropic effect

Question 13

Which of the following adverse effects is most likely with the use of quinidine (Quinora)?

Answer 13

diarrhea

Question 14

When treating elderly patients with Digoxin (Lanoxin), which of the following is an early sign of digoxin toxicity?

Answer 14

vomiting

Question 15

Which of the following is true regarding digoxin (Lanoxin)?

Answer 15

is mostly eliminated by the kidneys

Question 16

Which of the following drugs has not been proven to reduce mortality in chronic CHF patients?

Answer 16

digoxin (Lanoxin)

Question 17

A patient with CHF, ankle edema and shortness of breath at rest is treated with digoxin (Lanoxin) and a diuretic drug. Which of the diuretic drugs will most likely to provoke cardiac arrhythmias in this patient?

Answer 17

furosemide (Lasix)

loop diuretic loss of K+ increases digoxin toxicity

Question 18

Which of the following cations will decrease a mild to moderate digitalis-induced arrhythmia?

Answer 18

potassium

Question 19

What is the drug of choice in treating a suicidal overdose of digitoxin?

Answer 19

digoxin antibodies (Digibind)

Question 20

Which drug can convert atrial fibrillation into a normal sinus rhythm, and also has adverse effects including ataxia, parasthesias, pulmonary fibrosis, corneal deposits and tremors?

Answer 20

amiodarone (Cordarone)

a class III K+ channel blocker for arrhythmia

Question 21

You are treating a patient that has high blood pressure and episodes of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). Which of the following drugs could be used as an outpatient prophylaxis?

Answer 21

metoprolol (Lopressor)

Question 22

Which of the following CANNOT be used for chronic oral therapy of arrhythmias?

Answer 22

esmolol (Brevibloc)

very short acting

Question 23

Which drug causes hyperpolarization and prevents conduction of impulses at the AV node?

Answer 23

adenosine (Adenocard)

Question 24

What is the antiarrhythmic drug of choice in most cases of acute AV nodal tachycardia (PSVT)?

Answer 24

adenosine (Adenocard)

Question 25

Which of the following is an adverse effect of quinidine (Quinora)?

Answer 25

cinchonism

Question 26

Lab results from a CHF and hypertensive patient taking furosemide (Lasix) shows a below normal serum potassium levels. Which drug would you add to his drug regimen?

Answer 26

spironolactone (Aldactone)

Question 27

Which of the following drug combinations may produce systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in patients?

Answer 27

hydralazine (Apresoline) – procainamide (Pronestyl)

Question 28

Which drug has its primary action on the L-type calcium channels and slows conduction through the AV node?

Answer 28

verapamil (Calan)

Question 29

An African American man with essential hypertension has pounding headaches, BP = 185/98 mm Hg, heart rate = 92 BPM, and mild arterial narrowing without hemorrhages on funduscopic examination. Which of the following monotherapy would be the most appropriate treatment?

Answer 29

hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix)

most used diuretic (thiazide)

Question 30

In a hypertensive patient showing signs of ophthalmic and cardiac damage. Which adverse effect is the patient most likely to complain of following prolonged treatment with trandolapril (Mavik)?

Answer 30

coughing

an ACE inhibitor that causes dry cough

Question 31

Which drug-adverse effect is correctly paired?
A. quinidine (Quinora) – constipation
B. verapamil (Calan) – vasoconstriction
C. lidocaine (Xylocaine) – hypercalcemia
D. methyldopa (Aldomet) – hemolytic anemia
E. indapamide (Lozol) – sodium and water retention

Answer 31

methyldopa (Aldomet) – hemolytic anemia

a2 agonist that prevents NE release and is hepato-toxic, coombs test

Question 32

Which drug-effect is correctly paired?
A. magnesium sulfate – effective treatment in PSVT
B. enalapril (Vasotec) – decrease in renin secretion
C. hydralazine (Apresoline) – relaxation of large veins
D. minoxidil (Loniten) – opening of potassium channels
E. sodium nitroprusside (Nitropress) – inhibiting sodium channels

Answer 32

minoxidil (Loniten) – opening of potassium channels

Question 33

What is true about both terazosin (Hytrin) and metoprolol (Lopressor)?
A. both increase cardiac output
B. both decrease rennin secretion
C. both increase heart rate
D. both increase sympathetic outflow from the CNS
E. both produce severe orthostatic hypotension

Answer 33

both increase sympathetic outflow from the CNS

Question 34

Which of the following drugs is least likely to produce fluid and salt retention?
A.  nifedipine (Procardia)
B.  minoxidil (Loniten)
C.  prazosin (Minipress)
D.  fosinopril (Monopril)
E.  hydralazine (Apresoline)

Answer 34

fosinopril (Monopril)

an ACE inhibitor

Question 35

What adverse effect is similar in nitroglycerine, prazosin (Minipress), and ganglion blockers?
A.  impaired sexual function
B.  bradycardia
C.  lupus erythematosus syndrome
D.  orthostatic hypotension
E.  throbbing headache

Answer 35

orthostatic hypotension

Question 36

Nitroglycerin works well for acute angina attacks, but which drug works best for prophylactic treatment of frequent effort induced angina attacks?
A.  amyl nitrate (Aspirols)
B.  diltiazem (Cardizem)
C.  esmolol (Brevibloc)
D.  sublingual isosorbide dinitrate
E.  sublingual nitroglycerin

Answer 36

diltiazem (Cardizem)

class IV CCB like verapamil

Question 37

A 30-year-old woman is diagnosed with familial combined hyperlipidemia. Her total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride are elevated while her HDL cholesterol is somewhat reduced. Which drug should be avoided if this patient is pregnant?

Answer 37

rosuvastatin (Crestor)

Question 38

Which of the following will NOT precipitate an angina attack?            
A.  hydralazine (Apresoline)
B.  nifedipine (Procardia)
C.  dobutamine (Dobutrex)
D.  metoprolol (Lopressor)
E.  amphetamine

Answer 38

metoprolol (Lopressor)

Question 39

What is the primary mechanism by which sublingual nitroglycerin relieves chest pain and diminishes cardiac workload?
A.  arterial dilation
B.  arterial constriction
C.  dilation of the large veins
D.  epicardial arterial constriction
E.  constriction of the large veins

Answer 39

dilation of the large veins

Question 40

Which of the following drugs is most likely to exacerbate problems in a patient gout?
A.  enalapril (Vasotec)
B.  exetimibe (Zetia)
C.  colesvelam (WelChol)
D.  hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix)
E.  simvastatin (Zocor)

Answer 40

hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix)

Question 41

Select the correct statement:
A. stimulation of presynaptic Beta-2 receptors will increase transmitter release
B. ACE inhibitors inhibit the release of bradykinin
C. Beta-blockers are strong vasodilators
D. loop diuretics increase plasma magnesium concentrations
E. hypokalemia depolarizes the cell membrane in Purkinje fibers

Answer 41

stimulation of presynaptic Beta-2 receptors will increase transmitter release

Question 42

Which of the following drugs would promote gallstone formation in a woman with hypertriglyceridemia?
A.  cholestyramine (Questran)
B.  niacin (nicotinic acid)
C.  ezetimibe (Zetia)
D.  gemfibrozil (Lopid)
E.  lovastatin (Mevacor)

Answer 42

gemfibrozil (Lopid)

Question 43

Which of the following must be routinely monitored during treatment with atorvastatin (Lipitor)?
A. blood urea nitrogen
B. alanine and aspartate aminotransferase
C. platelets
D. uric acid

Answer 43

alanine and aspartate aminotransferase

Question 44

Which of the following drugs would be useful in treating respiratory alkalosis?
A.  amiloride (Midamor)
B.  furosemide (Lasix)
C.  hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix)
D.  acetazolamide (Diamox)
E.  eplerenone (Inspra)

Answer 44

acetazolamide (Diamox)

CA inhibito

Question 45

Which disease – drug treatment is correctly paired?
A. ventricular arrhythmias – verapamil (Calan)
B. vasospastic (Prinzmetal’s) angina – metoprolol (Lopressor)
C. digitalis induced ventricular arrhythmia – adenosine (Adenocard)
D. paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) – lidocaine (Xylocaine)
E. CHF – enalapril (Vasotec)

Answer 45

CHF – enalapril (Vasotec)

Question 46

Which of the following statements is true regarding the use of lidocaine (Xylocaine) as an antiarhythmic drug?
A. increases action potential duration
B. preferentially binds to resting sodium channels
C. increases the effective refractory period
D. is effective only paraenterally
E. increases the QT interval

Answer 46

is effective only paraenterally

Question 47

A 75-year-old man with a history of heart failure and an acute left ventricular myocardial infarction has severe pulmonary edema and is treated with I.V. furosemide (Lasix). Furosemide is beneficial in the acute management of pulmonary edema because it:
A. decreases the filling pressure of the heart
B. produces profound diuresis
C. decreases heart rate
D. has positive inotropic action
E. dilates the bronchi

Answer 47

decreases the filling pressure of the heart

Question 48

Which of the following may be attributed to the antianginal effects of propanolol (Inderal)?
A. increased resting heart rate
B. dilation of constricted coronary vessels
C. increased cardiac contractility
D. decreased end-diastolic ventricular volume
E. block of exercise-induced tachycardia

Answer 48

block of exercise-induced tachycardia

Question 49

A 60-year-old woman has a history of frequent episodes of renal colic with high-calcium renal stones.  Which of the following may decrease the formation of renal calculi?
A.  mannitol (Osmitrol)
B.  furosemide (Lasix)
C.  hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix)
D.  spironolactone (Aldactone)
E.  digoxin (Lanoxin)

Answer 49

hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix)

Question 50

What is the advantage of using tadalafil (Cialis) over sildenafil (Viagra)?
A. has a longer lasting effect
B. is less specific for PDE 5
C. does not increase the effect of organic nitrates
D. does not increase the effect of alpha blockers
E. is not dependent on the presence of nitric oxide

Answer 50

has a longer lasting effect