BCPS BCPS Cardiovascular & Specialty Pharmacotherapy

Question 1

Which antihypertensive drug class is the preferred first-line agent for hypertension in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and proteinuria?

Accepted Answer

ACE inhibitors or ARBs

Answer

Calcium channel blockers

Answer

Beta-blockers

Answer

Thiazide diuretics

Question 2

A patient with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is already on an ACE inhibitor, beta-blocker, and loop diuretic. Which additional agent has been shown to further reduce mortality?

Accepted Answer

Spironolactone

Answer

Amlodipine

Answer

Hydralazine monotherapy

Answer

Digoxin

Question 3

Which anticoagulant requires monitoring with anti-Xa levels rather than aPTT when used therapeutically?

Accepted Answer

Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)

Answer

Unfractionated heparin (UFH)

Answer

Warfarin

Answer

Argatroban

Question 4

A patient with atrial fibrillation (AF) and a CHA₂DS₂-VASc score of 3 requires anticoagulation. Which agent is preferred over warfarin per current guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) such as apixaban or rivaroxaban

Answer

Aspirin 325 mg daily

Answer

Warfarin with target INR 2-3

Answer

Clopidogrel plus aspirin

Question 5

Which lipid-lowering agent is the drug of choice for lowering triglycerides and raising HDL cholesterol in a patient with isolated hypertriglyceridemia (TG 500-1000 mg/dL)?

Accepted Answer

Fibrates (e.g., fenofibrate)

Answer

High-intensity statin

Answer

Ezetimibe

Answer

Niacin

Question 6

A patient with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary PCI should receive which antiplatelet regimen in addition to aspirin?

Accepted Answer

Ticagrelor 90 mg twice daily or prasugrel 10 mg daily

Answer

Clopidogrel 75 mg daily

Answer

Warfarin with target INR 2-3

Answer

Dipyridamole extended-release