CMT CMT Pharmacology and Cardiac Medications 1

Question 1

Which class of antiarrhythmic drug works by blocking sodium channels and is used to treat ventricular arrhythmias?

Accepted Answer

Class IA/IB/IC agents

Answer

Class I antiarrhythmic drugs (IA, IB, IC) block sodium channels, slowing conduction velocity and treating ventricular arrhythmias.

Question 2

Amiodarone is classified as which class of antiarrhythmic medication?

Accepted Answer

Class III

Answer

Amiodarone is a Class III antiarrhythmic that primarily blocks potassium channels, prolonging the action potential and refractory period.

Question 3

Which medication is the first-line treatment for symptomatic bradycardia caused by increased vagal tone?

Accepted Answer

Atropine

Answer

Atropine is the first-line drug for symptomatic bradycardia as it blocks muscarinic receptors to increase heart rate.

Question 4

A patient receiving digoxin develops bradycardia with first-degree AV block. The cardiac monitor technician should alert the nurse because this may indicate:

Accepted Answer

Digoxin toxicity

Answer

Bradycardia and AV block in a patient on digoxin are classic signs of digoxin toxicity requiring immediate clinical intervention.

Question 5

Which electrolyte imbalance most significantly increases a patient's risk of digoxin toxicity?

Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia

Answer

Hypokalemia enhances digoxin binding to Na+/K+-ATPase, increasing toxicity risk even at therapeutic drug levels.

(CMT) Certified Cardiac Monitor Technician Practice Test

(CMT) Certified Cardiac Monitor Technician Practice Test

CMT CMT Pharmacology and Cardiac Medications 1