Drug Classifications & Effects Flashcards
7 cards from real CMA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Drug Classifications & Effects flashcards as text
A resident's MAR lists metoprolol. To which drug class does metoprolol belong?
Answer: Beta-adrenergic blocker
Metoprolol is a beta blocker, a class whose generic names typically end in -olol.
Before giving digoxin, the medication aide checks the apical pulse. Under typical facility policy, below what rate should the dose be held and the nurse notified?
Answer: 60 beats per minute
Digoxin slows the heart rate, so it is usually held if the apical pulse is below 60 bpm in adults.
A resident started lisinopril two weeks ago and now has a persistent dry, hacking cough. Which drug class is most often linked to this side effect?
Answer: ACE inhibitors
ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril commonly cause a dry cough because bradykinin builds up.
A resident taking furosemide complains of muscle cramps and weakness. Which electrolyte imbalance should the aide report as a possible cause?
Answer: Hypokalemia
Loop diuretics like furosemide make the body lose potassium, which can lead to hypokalemia and muscle cramps.
Which observation in a resident taking warfarin is most important to report right away?
Answer: Bleeding gums and unusual bruising
Warfarin is an anticoagulant, so signs of bleeding such as bleeding gums or bruising must be reported promptly.
A resident gets a headache shortly after taking sublingual nitroglycerin for chest pain. What explains this common effect?
Answer: Dilation of blood vessels
Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator, and widening of the blood vessels in the head often causes a headache.
A resident on atorvastatin reports unexplained muscle pain and tenderness. Why should this be reported?
Answer: It may indicate statin-related muscle damage
Statins can cause myopathy or rhabdomyolysis, so new muscle pain must be reported.