Skill keeper/Checklist (CVS) Flashcards
- Pheochromocytoma is a tumor that originates primarily from which of the following cells?
A. Hepatic cells
B. Chromaffin cells
C. Beta cells of the pancreas
D. Osteoblasts
B. Chromaffin cells
Rationale: Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor that originates from chromaffin cells, primarily found in the adrenal medulla. These cells are responsible for producing catecholamines.
- In patients with pheochromocytoma, which of the following is NOT a compensatory change observed?
A. Reduced renin levels
B. Increased aldosterone levels
C. Reduced blood volume
D. Increased hematocrit
B. Increased aldosterone levels
Rationale: One of the compensatory changes observed in pheochromocytoma is reduced aldosterone levels, which leads to increased excretion of salt and water by the kidneys.
- Which hormone promotes sodium and water retention in the kidneys?
A. Renin
B. Epinephrine
C. Norepinephrine
D. Aldosterone
D. Aldosterone
Rationale: Aldosterone is a hormone that promotes sodium and water retention in the kidneys, helping regulate blood volume and pressure.
- If a pheochromocytoma tumor predominantly releases norepinephrine, what compensatory change in heart rate might be observed?
A. Tachycardia
B. No change in heart rate
C. Bradycardia
D. Arrhythmia
C. Bradycardia
Rationale: If the tumor primarily releases norepinephrine, the body compensates for the resulting vasoconstriction by slowing down the heart rate, leading to compensatory bradycardia.
- In pheochromocytoma, the body’s control mechanisms for blood pressure are:
A. Reset to maintain the elevated pressure
B. Completely non-functional
C. Intact and try to maintain blood pressure constant
D. Overactive, leading to hypotension
C. Intact and try to maintain blood pressure constant
Rationale: Unlike essential hypertension, in pheochromocytoma, the body’s control mechanisms are intact and attempt to maintain blood pressure within a normal range.
- Which of the following catecholamines can increase heart rate and is often released by pheochromocytomas?
A. Dopamine
B. Serotonin
C. Epinephrine
D. GABA
C. Epinephrine
Rationale: Most pheochromocytomas release enough epinephrine to counteract bradycardia induced by norepinephrine. Epinephrine can increase the heart rate.
- Which of the following best describes a partial agonist?
A) A molecule that fully activates a receptor upon binding.
B) A molecule that binds to a receptor but does not activate it.
C) A molecule that binds to a receptor and activates it, but not to its full potential.
D) A molecule that prevents other molecules from binding to a receptor.
C) A molecule that binds to a receptor and activates it, but not to its full potential.
Rationale: A partial agonist is a molecule that can bind to and activate a receptor, but it does not produce the maximum possible response that a full agonist would.
- Albuterol primarily acts on which type of receptor?
A) α1-adrenergic receptors
B) β1-adrenergic receptors
C) β2-adrenergic receptors
D) Muscarinic receptors
C) β2-adrenergic receptors.
Rationale: Albuterol is a bronchodilator that primarily acts on β2-adrenergic receptors in the lungs to relax the bronchial muscles.
- Pindolol is a:
A) Full agonist at β receptors.
B) Antagonist at β receptors.
C) Partial agonist at β receptors.
D) Non-competitive inhibitor at β receptors.
C) Partial agonist at β receptors.
Rationale: Pindolol is a non-selective beta-blocker with partial agonist activity at β receptors.
- Which drug is commonly used to treat asthma due to its bronchodilating effects?
A) Pindolol
B) Albuterol
C) Propranolol
D) Atropine
B) Albuterol.
Rationale: Albuterol is a bronchodilator that is commonly used to treat conditions like asthma by acting on β2-adrenergic receptors in the lungs.
- What happens to the binding of pindolol to β receptors as the concentration of albuterol increases?
A) Increases
B) Decreases
C) Remains the same
D) Becomes non-competitive
B) Decreases.
Rationale: As the concentration of albuterol increases, it competes with pindolol for binding to the β receptors, leading to a decrease in the percentage of receptors bound by pindolol.
- Which of the following drugs can block the effects of substances like adrenaline on beta receptors but also stimulate these receptors to a certain extent?
A) Albuterol
B) Atropine
C) Pindolol
D) Epinephrine
C) Pindolol.
Rationale: Pindolol is a non-selective beta-blocker with partial agonist activity, meaning it can block the effects of substances like adrenaline on beta receptors and also stimulate these receptors due to its partial agonist activity.
- Which drug is primarily used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia?
A) Metoprolol
B) Tamsulosin
C) Propranolol
D) Esmolol
B) Tamsulosin
Rationale: Tamsulosin is an α-blocker primarily used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia by relaxing the smooth muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, facilitating urination.
- Which drug has a very short half-life and is rapidly metabolized by esterases in the blood?
A) Propranolol
B) Atenolol
C) Esmolol
D) Nadolol
C) Esmolol
Rationale: Esmolol is known for its very short half-life and is often used in acute settings like surgeries due to its rapid metabolism by blood esterases.
- Which drug class increases the outflow of aqueous humor in glaucoma patients?
A) Prostaglandin analogs
B) Beta-blockers
C) Alpha agonists
D) Rho kinase inhibitors
A) Prostaglandin analogs
Rationale: Prostaglandin analogs, like latanoprost, work by increasing the outflow of aqueous humor, thereby reducing intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients.
- Which drug is a selective β1-blocker primarily used for cardiac issues?
A) Labetalol
B) Pindolol
C) Metoprolol
D) Propranolol
C) Metoprolol
Rationale: Metoprolol is a selective β1-blocker, making it particularly useful for treating cardiac issues such as heart failure and arrhythmias.
- Which drug is used to treat hypertension, angina, and migraine prophylaxis?
A) Timolol
B) Brimonidine
C) Dorzolamide
D) Latanoprost
A) Timolol
Rationale: Timolol is a non-selective beta-blocker used to treat hypertension, angina, and is also used for migraine prophylaxis.
- Which drug reduces aqueous humor production by inhibiting carbonic anhydrase in the ciliary body?
A) Pilocarpine
B) Dorzolamide
C) Netarsudil
D) Tamsulosin
B) Dorzolamide
Rationale: Dorzolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that acts on the ciliary body to reduce the production of aqueous humor.
- Which drug class is known to cause side effects like bronchospasm, especially in asthmatics?
A) Alpha agonists
B) Beta-blockers
C) Prostaglandin analogs
D) Rho kinase inhibitors
B) Beta-blockers
Rationale: Beta-blockers can cause bronchospasm, especially in asthmatic patients, due to their non-selective action on β2 receptors in the lungs.
- Which drug is known to have dual action by blocking both α and β receptors?
A) Propranolol
B) Labetalol
C) Metoprolol
D) Esmolol
B) Labetalol
Rationale: Labetalol is unique in its ability to block both α and β receptors, making it useful in certain hypertensive emergencies.
- Which drug is an α-blocker that primarily acts to relax the smooth muscles in the bladder neck?
A) Atenolol
B) Tamsulosin
C) Esmolol
D) Pilocarpine
B) Tamsulosin
Rationale: Tamsulosin is an α-blocker that targets the smooth muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, aiding in urination for those with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
- Which drug class contracts the ciliary muscle to increase the outflow of aqueous humor?
A) Prostaglandin analogs
B) Beta-blockers
C) Cholinergic agents
D) Rho kinase inhibitors
C) Cholinergic agents
Rationale: Cholinergic agents, like pilocarpine, work by contracting the ciliary muscle, which in turn increases the outflow of aqueous humor.
- Which drug is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine and is not significantly metabolized?
A) Propranolol
B) Atenolol
C) Esmolol
D) Nadolol
D) Nadolol
Rationale: Nadolol is not significantly metabolized and is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine, giving it a longer half-life compared to some other β-blockers.
- Which drug class is primarily used for its vasoconstrictive effect in the treatment of nasal congestion?
A) Alpha agonists
B) Beta-blockers
C) Prostaglandin analogs
D) Rho kinase inhibitors
A) Alpha agonists
Rationale: Alpha agonists, such as pseudoephedrine, cause vasoconstriction and are often used in over-the-counter medications to relieve nasal congestion.
- Which drug is a non-selective beta-blocker with intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (ISA)?
A) Labetalol
B) Pindolol
C) Metoprolol
D) Propranolol
B) Pindolol
Rationale: Pindolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that also has intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (ISA), allowing it to act as a partial agonist at the β receptors.
- Which drug class is known to cause side effects like dizziness, headache, and reflex tachycardia?
A) Alpha agonists
B) Alpha-blockers
C) Prostaglandin analogs
D) Rho kinase inhibitors
B) Alpha-blockers
Rationale: Alpha-blockers, such as tamsulosin, can cause side effects like dizziness, headache, and reflex tachycardia due to their vasodilatory effects.
- Which drug class is used to treat hypertension by reducing the production of aqueous humor?
A) Prostaglandin analogs
B) Beta-blockers
C) Alpha agonists
D) Rho kinase inhibitors
B) Beta-blockers
Rationale: Beta-blockers, like timolol, reduce the production of aqueous humor and are used in the treatment of hypertension and other cardiac conditions.
- Which class of drugs is primarily used to treat depression by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain?
A) Beta-blockers
B) Alpha agonists
C) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
D) Rho kinase inhibitors
C) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Rationale: SSRIs, such as fluoxetine and sertraline, work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, leading to increased levels of this neurotransmitter and thereby helping in the treatment of depression.
- Which class of drugs is used to treat hypertension by blocking the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system?
A) Beta-blockers
B) Alpha agonists
C) Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
D) Rho kinase inhibitors
C) Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
Rationale: ACE inhibitors, such as lisinopril and enalapril, work by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. This leads to vasodilation and a reduction in blood pressure.
- Which drug is used to treat allergic reactions by blocking histamine receptors?
A) Metformin
B) Diphenhydramine
C) Esmolol
D) Pilocarpine
B) Diphenhydramine
Rationale: Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that works by blocking H1 histamine receptors. This action helps to reduce the symptoms of allergic reactions such as itching, sneezing, and runny nose.
Question 1: What is the primary mechanism of action of hydralazine?
a) It increases heart rate.
b) It constricts blood vessels.
c) It relaxes the smooth muscles in the walls of arteries.
d) It promotes salt and water retention.
c) It relaxes the smooth muscles in the walls of arteries.
Rationale: Hydralazine is a vasodilator, which means its primary action is to relax the smooth muscles in the walls of arteries. This relaxation causes the arteries to widen, reducing resistance to blood flow and, consequently, lowering blood pressure.
Question 2: Which of the following is NOT a compensatory response to hydralazine?
a) Tachycardia
b) Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
c) Salt and water retention
d) Dilation of blood vessels
d) Dilation of blood vessels
Rationale: Hydralazine itself causes the dilation of blood vessels, which is its intended effect. The compensatory responses to hydralazine, such as tachycardia and salt and water retention, are mechanisms the body uses to counteract the drop in blood pressure caused by the drug. The dilation of blood vessels is the drug’s primary effect, not a compensatory response.
- Which drug is a direct arterial vasodilator?
a) Metoprolol
b) Amlodipine
c) Losartan
d) Hydralazine
d) Hydralazine
Rationale: Hydralazine works by directly relaxing the smooth muscles of the arteries, leading to vasodilation.
- Which drug class blocks the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II?
a) Beta-blockers
b) ACE inhibitors
c) ARBs
d) Calcium channel blockers
b) ACE inhibitors
Rationale: ACE inhibitors inhibit the angiotensin-converting enzyme, preventing the conversion of angiotensin I to the more active angiotensin II.
- Which drug can cause hypertrichosis as a side effect?
a) Prazosin
b) Minoxidil
c) Clonidine
d) Reserpine
b) Minoxidil
Rationale: Minoxidil, when used topically, is known to promote hair growth, leading to hypertrichosis.
- Which drug acts by opening potassium channels?
a) Hydralazine
b) Amlodipine
c) Minoxidil
d) Prazosin
c) Minoxidil
Rationale: Minoxidil acts by opening potassium channels in smooth muscle cells, leading to relaxation and vasodilation.
- Which drug class is known to cause a persistent cough as a side effect?
a) ARBs
b) Beta-blockers
c) ACE inhibitors
d) Calcium channel blockers
c) ACE inhibitors
Rationale: ACE inhibitors can lead to increased levels of bradykinin, causing a persistent cough in some patients.
- Which drug acts as a central alpha-2 agonist?
a) Prazosin
b) Clonidine
c) Reserpine
d) Minoxidil
b) Clonidine
Rationale: Clonidine acts on the central nervous system as an alpha-2 agonist, reducing sympathetic outflow and lowering blood pressure.
- Which drug class directly blocks the action of angiotensin II at its receptor?
a) Calcium channel blockers
b) Beta-blockers
c) ACE inhibitors
d) ARBs
d) ARBs
Rationale: ARBs (Angiotensin II receptor blockers) block the action of angiotensin II at its receptor, preventing its vasoconstrictive effects.
- Which drug is used in hypertensive emergencies due to its rapid vasodilatory effect?
a) Amlodipine
b) Losartan
c) Sodium nitroprusside
d) Metoprolol
: c) Sodium nitroprusside
Rationale: Sodium nitroprusside releases nitric oxide, leading to rapid vasodilation and is used in hypertensive emergencies.
- Which drug class is known to cause edema as a side effect?
a) Beta-blockers
b) ACE inhibitors
c) ARBs
d) Calcium channel blockers
d) Calcium channel blockers
Rationale: Calcium channel blockers, especially the dihydropyridines, can cause peripheral edema as a side effect.
- Which drug acts by inhibiting neuronal norepinephrine release?
a) Clonidine
b) Reserpine
c) Prazosin
d) Amlodipine
b) Reserpine
Rationale: Reserpine inhibits the storage and release of norepinephrine in neuronal vesicles, leading to reduced sympathetic tone.
- Which drug class is primarily used to reduce heart rate?
a) Diuretics
b) Beta-blockers
c) ACE inhibitors
d) ARBs
b) Beta-blockers
Rationale: Beta-blockers act on beta-adrenergic receptors, reducing heart rate and myocardial contractility.
- Which drug can lead to bronchospasm, especially in asthmatic patients?
a) Metoprolol
b) Amlodipine
c) Losartan
d) Hydralazine
a) Metoprolol
Rationale: Non-selective beta-blockers like metoprolol can cause bronchospasm by blocking beta-2 receptors in the bronchi.
- Which drug class acts by relaxing the smooth muscles in the walls of arteries?
a) Diuretics
b) Beta-blockers
c) Vasodilators
d) ARBs
c) Vasodilators
Rationale: Vasodilators, like hydralazine, work by relaxing the smooth muscles in the walls of arteries, leading to vasodilation.
- Which drug is known to cause hyperkalemia as a side effect?
a) Amlodipine
b) Metoprolol
c) Losartan
d) Lisinopril
d) Lisinopril
Rationale: ACE inhibitors like lisinopril can lead to hyperkalemia by reducing aldosterone secretion.
- Which drug acts by blocking alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, leading to vasodilation?
a) Clonidine
b) Reserpine
c) Prazosin
d) Minoxidil
c) Prazosin
Rationale: Prazosin is an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blocker, leading to vasodilation and a reduction in blood pressure.
- Which drug class can lead to electrolyte imbalances, especially when used in high doses?
a) Diuretics
b) Beta-blockers
c) ACE inhibitors
d) Calcium channel blockers
a) Diuretics
Rationale: Diuretics increase urine output and can lead to electrolyte imbalances, especially potassium and sodium.
- Which drug class acts by inhibiting calcium influx into vascular smooth muscle cells?
a) Diuretics
b) Beta-blockers
c) Vasodilators
d) Calcium channel blockers
d) Calcium channel blockers
Rationale: Calcium channel blockers inhibit calcium influx into vascular smooth muscle cells, leading to relaxation and vasodilation.
- Which drug class primarily acts by increasing urine output to reduce blood volume and blood pressure?
a) Diuretics
b) Beta-blockers
c) Vasodilators
d) Calcium channel blockers
a) Diuretics
Rationale: Diuretics increase urine output, leading to a reduction in blood volume and subsequently blood pressure.
- Which drug is known to act on the central nervous system to reduce sympathetic outflow?
a) Prazosin
b) Reserpine
c) Clonidine
d) Minoxidil
Answer: c) Clonidine
Rationale: Clonidine acts on the central nervous system as an alpha-2 agonist, reducing sympathetic outflow and lowering blood pressure.
- Which drug class is known to cause angioedema as a rare but serious side effect?
a) ARBs
b) Beta-blockers
c) ACE inhibitors
d) Calcium channel blockers
c) ACE inhibitors
Rationale: ACE inhibitors can lead to angioedema, a swelling of the deeper layers of the skin, often around the eyes and lips.
- Which drug class acts by blocking the effects of the sympathetic nervous system on the heart?
a) Diuretics
b) Beta-blockers
c) Vasodilators
d) ARBs
b) Beta-blockers
Rationale: Beta-blockers act on beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart, reducing heart rate and myocardial contractility.
- Which drug is NOT primarily used as an antihypertensive agent but can cause vasodilation by releasing nitric oxide?
a) Amlodipine
b) Losartan
c) Sodium nitroprusside
d) Metoprolol
c) Sodium nitroprusside
Rationale: Sodium nitroprusside releases nitric oxide, leading to rapid vasodilation. It’s used primarily in hypertensive emergencies.
- Which drug class acts by blocking the receptors for angiotensin II, preventing its vasoconstrictive effects?
a) Calcium channel blockers
b) Beta-blockers
c) ACE inhibitors
d) ARBs
d) ARBs
Rationale: ARBs (Angiotensin II receptor blockers) block the action of angiotensin II at its receptor, preventing its vasoconstrictive effects.
- Which drug class can lead to bronchospasm, especially in patients with respiratory conditions?
a) Diuretics
b) Non-selective beta-blockers
c) ACE inhibitors
d) Calcium channel blockers
b) Non-selective beta-blockers
Rationale: Non-selective beta-blockers can cause bronchospasm by blocking beta-2 receptors in the bronchi, especially in patients with conditions like asthma.
- Which drug is known to cause reflex tachycardia as a side effect?
a) Amlodipine
b) Lisinopril
c) Metoprolol
d) Losartan
a) Amlodipine
Rationale: Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, especially of the dihydropyridine class, can cause vasodilation. This drop in blood pressure can lead to a compensatory increase in heart rate, known as reflex tachycardia.
- Which class of drug does nifedipine belong to?
a) Beta-blockers
b) ACE inhibitors
c) Calcium channel blockers
d) Diuretics
c) Calcium channel blockers
Rationale: Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker, specifically of the dihydropyridine class, used primarily to treat hypertension and angina.
- What is the primary therapeutic use of nifedipine?
a) Reducing cholesterol
b) Treating hypertension and angina
c) Preventing blood clots
d) Treating arrhythmias
b) Treating hypertension and angina
Rationale: Nifedipine is primarily used as an antihypertensive agent and for the treatment of angina.
- Which formulation of nifedipine may pose an increased risk of myocardial infarction?
a) Slow-release
b) Prompt-release
c) Topical
d) Intravenous
b) Prompt-release
Rationale: Studies have indicated that the prompt-release form of nifedipine might have a heightened risk of myocardial infarction due to its rapid-acting vasodilatory effects.
- What compensatory mechanism is triggered by a sudden drop in blood pressure?
a) Decreased heart rate
b) Reduced force of heart contractions
c) Increased sympathetic outflow to the cardiovascular system
d) Vasodilation
c) Increased sympathetic outflow to the cardiovascular system
Rationale: A sudden drop in blood pressure, such as that caused by prompt-release nifedipine, triggers an increase in sympathetic nervous system activity to the cardiovascular system to restore blood pressure.
- Which condition results from a lack of oxygen to tissues?
a) Hyperkalemia
b) Ischemia
c) Edema
d) Tachycardia
b) Ischemia
Rationale: Ischemia refers to the lack of oxygen supply to tissues, often due to reduced blood flow.
- What can result from severe and prolonged ischemia in the heart?
a) Bradycardia
b) Infarction
c) Reflex tachycardia
d) Hyperkalemia
b) Infarction
Rationale: Infarction refers to the death of tissue due to lack of oxygen. In the context of the heart, prolonged ischemia can lead to myocardial infarction or heart attack.
- Which drug formulation causes a more gradual and controlled release of the medication?
a) Prompt-release
b) Slow-release
c) Topical
d) Intramuscular
b) Slow-release
Rationale: Slow-release formulations are designed to release the drug gradually over time, providing a more controlled and sustained effect.
- What is the primary effect of calcium channel blockers on blood vessels?
a) Vasoconstriction
b) Vasodilation
c) Blood clotting
d) Blood thinning
b) Vasodilation
Rationale: Calcium channel blockers, like nifedipine, work by inhibiting calcium influx into vascular smooth muscle cells, leading to relaxation and vasodilation.
- Which side effect is NOT associated with nifedipine?
a) Reflex tachycardia
b) Myocardial infarction (with prompt-release)
c) Reduced sympathetic outflow
d) Ischemia
c) Reduced sympathetic outflow
Rationale: Nifedipine, especially in its prompt-release form, can cause an increase in sympathetic outflow as a compensatory mechanism to a drop in blood pressure.
- Which drug class primarily reduces heart rate and myocardial contractility?
a) Diuretics
b) Beta-blockers
c) ACE inhibitors
d) Calcium channel blockers
b) Beta-blockers
Rationale: Beta-blockers act on beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart, reducing heart rate and myocardial contractility.
- Which type of angina is caused by spasms of the coronary arteries?
a) Effort Angina
b) Vasospastic Angina
c) Unstable Angina
d) Chronic Angina
b) Vasospastic Angina
Rationale: Vasospastic angina, also known as Prinzmetal’s angina, is caused by transient spasms of the coronary arteries.
- Which drug class primarily reduces myocardial oxygen demand by decreasing heart rate?
a) Nitrates
b) ACE inhibitors
c) ß Blockers
d) Diuretics
c) ß Blockers
Rationale: ß Blockers act by reducing heart rate and myocardial contractility, thereby decreasing the oxygen demand of the heart.
- What is the primary therapeutic effect of nitrates in treating angina?
a) Reduction of myocardial contractility
b) Coronary vasodilation
c) Decreasing heart rate
d) Inhibition of platelet aggregation
b) Coronary vasodilation
Rationale: Nitrates primarily act by causing vasodilation, which includes dilation of the coronary arteries, increasing blood flow to the myocardium.
- Which condition is a precursor to myocardial infarction and requires immediate medical attention?
a) Effort Angina
b) Vasospastic Angina
c) Unstable Angina
d) Stable Angina
c) Unstable Angina
Rationale: Unstable angina is a condition where atherosclerotic plaques become disrupted, leading to partial occlusion of the coronary artery. It’s a precursor to myocardial infarction and is considered a medical emergency.
- Which drug combination can lead to a severe drop in blood pressure?
a) Nitrate and ACE inhibitor
b) Nitrate and ß Blocker
c) Nitrate and Sildenafil
d) ß Blocker and Diuretic
c) Nitrate and Sildenafil
Rationale: Both nitrates and sildenafil cause vasodilation. When combined, they can lead to a severe drop in blood pressure, which can be dangerous.
- Which therapeutic strategy aims to increase the oxygen supply to the myocardium?
a) Reducing heart rate
b) Decreasing myocardial contractility
c) Coronary vasodilation
d) Inhibiting platelet aggregation
c) Coronary vasodilation
Rationale: Coronary vasodilation increases blood flow to the myocardium, thereby increasing the oxygen supply.
- Which side effect is commonly associated with the use of nitrates?
a) Bradycardia
b) Hyperkalemia
c) Headache
d) Dry cough
c) Headache
Rationale: Nitrates, due to their vasodilatory effects, are commonly associated with causing headaches.
- Which drug class is primarily used to treat hypertension but can also provide relief from angina?
a) Diuretics
b) ACE inhibitors
c) ß Blockers
d) Anticoagulants
c) ß Blockers
Rationale: While ß Blockers are primarily used to treat hypertension, they are also effective in managing angina by reducing heart rate and myocardial contractility.
- Which type of angina occurs due to the inability of coronary arteries to supply sufficient oxygen during physical exertion?
a) Effort Angina
b) Vasospastic Angina
c) Unstable Angina
d) Chronic Angina
a) Effort Angina
Rationale: Effort angina, or stable angina, is caused by the inability of coronary arteries to supply the heart with enough oxygen during physical exertion.
- Which drug class primarily acts by inhibiting calcium influx into vascular smooth muscle cells?
a) Nitrates
b) Diuretics
c) ß Blockers
d) Calcium channel blockers
d) Calcium channel blockers
Rationale: Calcium channel blockers work by inhibiting calcium influx into vascular smooth muscle cells, leading to relaxation and vasodilation.
- Which condition results from the death of heart tissue due to lack of oxygen?
a) Ischemia
b) Infarction
c) Angina
d) Vasospasm
b) Infarction
Rationale: Infarction refers to the death of tissue due to lack of oxygen. In the context of the heart, it refers to a heart attack or myocardial infarction.
- Which drug class is NOT primarily used for the relief of anginal pain?
a) Nitrates
b) ß Blockers
c) ACE inhibitors
d) Calcium channel blockers
c) ACE inhibitors
Rationale: While ACE inhibitors are used in the management of cardiovascular diseases, they are not primarily used for the relief of anginal pain.
- Which therapeutic effect is common to both nitrates and calcium channel blockers?
a) Reduction of heart rate
b) Coronary vasodilation
c) Decrease in myocardial contractility
d) Diuresis
b) Coronary vasodilation
Rationale: Both nitrates and calcium channel blockers have the therapeutic effect of causing coronary vasodilation, increasing blood flow to the myocardium.
- Which drug class can cause edema as a side effect?
a) Nitrates
b) ß Blockers
c) ACE inhibitors
d) Calcium channel blockers
d) Calcium channel blockers
Rationale: Calcium channel blockers, especially the dihydropyridine class, can cause peripheral edema as a side effect.
- Which type of angina can occur at rest and is not necessarily related to coronary artery disease?
a) Effort Angina
b) Vasospastic Angina
c) Unstable Angina
d) Chronic Angina
b) Vasospastic Angina
Rationale: Vasospastic angina, or Prinzmetal’s angina, can occur at rest and is caused by spasms of the coronary arteries. It’s not necessarily related to coronary artery disease.
- Which drug class primarily reduces preload and afterload in the treatment of angina?
a) Nitrates
b) ß Blockers
c) ACE inhibitors
d) Diuretics
a) Nitrates
Rationale: Nitrates act by causing vasodilation, which reduces both preload (the volume of blood in the
- Which of the following best describes the primary cause of effort angina?
a) Spasms of the coronary arteries
b) Disruption of atherosclerotic plaques
c) Inability of coronary arteries to supply sufficient oxygen during physical exertion
d) Chronic inflammation of the coronary artery walls
c) Inability of coronary arteries to supply sufficient oxygen during physical exertion
Rationale: Effort angina, or stable angina, arises when the coronary arteries cannot supply the heart with adequate oxygen during physical activities, typically due to atherosclerotic plaques that restrict blood flow.
- Which combination therapy is beneficial in treating angina by reducing both preload and afterload?
a) Nitrate and ß Blocker
b) Nitrate and ACE inhibitor
c) ß Blocker and Diuretic
d) Calcium channel blocker and Diuretic
a) Nitrate and ß Blocker
Rationale: Nitrates primarily reduce preload through vasodilation, while ß Blockers reduce afterload by decreasing heart rate and myocardial contractility. The combination offers a comprehensive approach to managing angina.
- Which drug is contraindicated in patients with angina who are also taking nitrates?
a) Sildenafil
b) Lisinopril
c) Atenolol
d) Furosemide
a) Sildenafil
Rationale: Both nitrates and sildenafil cause vasodilation. When combined, they can lead to a severe drop in blood pressure, which can be dangerous.
- Which procedure aims to restore blood flow to areas of the heart with reduced blood supply due to angina?
a) Angioplasty
b) Pacemaker implantation
c) Valve replacement
d) Cardiac ablation
a) Angioplasty
Rationale: Angioplasty, often combined with stent placement, is a procedure used to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, restoring blood flow to the heart muscle.
- Which type of angina is characterized by unpredictable attacks and is considered a medical emergency due to its potential to lead to a heart attack?
a) Effort Angina
b) Vasospastic Angina
c) Unstable Angina
d) Silent Angina
c) Unstable Angina
Rationale: Unstable angina is unpredictable and can occur at rest or with minimal exertion. It’s considered a medical emergency because of its potential to progress to a myocardial infarction.
- Which drug class is primarily used to relax the arterial walls, leading to a decrease in systemic vascular resistance and relief from angina?
a) Alpha-blockers
b) Diuretics
c) Calcium channel blockers
d) ACE inhibitors
c) Calcium channel blockers
Rationale: Calcium channel blockers act by inhibiting calcium influx into vascular smooth muscle cells, leading to relaxation and vasodilation of the arterial walls.
- Which of the following is NOT a primary determinant of cardiac oxygen consumption?
a) Heart rate
b) Myocardial contractility
c) Myocardial wall tension
d) Blood glucose levels
d) Blood glucose levels
Rationale: While blood glucose levels can impact overall cardiovascular health, the primary determinants of cardiac oxygen consumption include heart rate, myocardial contractility, and myocardial wall tension.
- Which therapeutic strategy aims to decrease the oxygen demand of the myocardium?
a) Increasing heart rate
b) Coronary vasodilation
c) Reducing myocardial contractility
d) Promoting platelet aggregation
c) Reducing myocardial contractility
Rationale: Reducing myocardial contractility decreases the work of the heart, thereby reducing the oxygen demand of the myocardium.
- Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of ß Blockers in the treatment of angina?
a) They dilate the coronary arteries.
b) They inhibit the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
c) They block the effects of stress hormones on the heart.
d) They promote diuresis to reduce blood volume.
c) They block the effects of stress hormones on the heart.
Rationale: ß Blockers work by blocking the effects of stress hormones (like adrenaline) on the heart, leading to a reduction in heart rate and myocardial contractility.
- Which of the following conditions is characterized by the heart’s left ventricle not contracting effectively?
a. HFpEF
b. Myocardial infarction
c. HFrEF
d. Angina pectoris
c. HFrEF
Rationale: HFrEF, or Heart Failure with reduced Ejection Fraction, is characterized by the left ventricle’s inability to contract effectively, leading to a reduced ejection fraction.
- Loop diuretics are primarily used in the management of acute heart failure to:
a. Increase cardiac output
b. Reduce preload and afterload
c. Relieve pulmonary congestion
d. Counteract the sympathetic nervous system
c. Relieve pulmonary congestion
Rationale: Loop diuretics, such as furosemide, help eliminate excess fluid from the body, thus relieving symptoms like pulmonary congestion in acute heart failure.
- Which drug class is known to reduce afterload and prevent cardiac remodeling in chronic heart failure?
a. Beta-blockers
b. ACE inhibitors
c. Diuretics
d. Vasodilators
b. ACE inhibitors
Rationale: ACE inhibitors, like enalapril, reduce afterload and have been shown to prevent adverse cardiac remodeling in chronic heart failure.
- Digitalis drugs exert their positive inotropic effect by:
a. Blocking beta-adrenergic receptors
b. Inhibiting the sodium-potassium ATPase pump
c. Activating phosphodiesterase enzymes
d. Stimulating the sympathetic nervous system
b. Inhibiting the sodium-potassium ATPase pump
Rationale: Digitalis drugs, like digoxin, inhibit the sodium-potassium ATPase pump, leading to increased intracellular calcium and enhanced cardiac contractility.
- Which drug class directly counteracts the chronic activation of the sympathetic nervous system in heart failure?
a. Diuretics
b. ACE inhibitors
c. Vasodilators
d. Beta-blockers
d. Beta-blockers
Rationale: Beta-blockers counteract the chronic activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which can be detrimental in heart failure.
- Which of the following is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor used in heart failure to increase cardiac output?
a. Digoxin
b. Metoprolol
c. Milrinone
d. Enalapril
c. Milrinone
Rationale: Milrinone is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that has a positive inotropic effect and is used in heart failure to improve cardiac output.