CCT CCT Pharmacology & Cardiac Medications

Question 1

Which class of drugs is used as first-line treatment to slow the ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation by blocking AV nodal conduction?

Accepted Answer

Beta-blockers

Answer

Beta-blockers decrease heart rate by blocking sympathetic stimulation at the AV node, making them first-line agents for rate control in atrial fibrillation.

Question 2

Atropine is administered during bradycardia primarily because it:

Accepted Answer

Blocks vagal (parasympathetic) tone to increase heart rate

Answer

Atropine is an anticholinergic agent that blocks muscarinic receptors, thereby reducing vagal slowing of the heart and increasing the heart rate.

Question 3

Which antiarrhythmic drug is considered a Class III agent and is commonly used for ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias?

Accepted Answer

Amiodarone

Answer

Amiodarone is a Class III antiarrhythmic that prolongs the action potential and refractory period and is used broadly for both ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias.

Question 4

Nitroglycerin relieves angina primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Dilating coronary arteries and reducing preload

Answer

Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that relaxes vascular smooth muscle, reducing preload and dilating coronary arteries to improve myocardial oxygen delivery.

Question 5

A patient receiving heparin infusion should be monitored primarily with which laboratory test?

Accepted Answer

Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)

Answer

Heparin's anticoagulant effect is monitored using the aPTT, with a therapeutic target typically 1.5–2.5 times the control value.

(CCT) Certified Cardiac Technician Practice Test

(CCT) Certified Cardiac Technician Practice Test

CCT CCT Pharmacology & Cardiac Medications