CSC CSC Pharmacology & Treatment Protocols 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Amiodarone is effective for treating which arrhythmias?
- Atrial fibrillation only
- Ventricular fibrillation only
- Both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias (Correct answer)
- Sinus bradycardia only
Correct answer: Both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias
Amiodarone is a broad-spectrum antiarrhythmic (Class III) effective for both atrial arrhythmias (AF, flutter) and ventricular arrhythmias (VT, VF).
Question 2: Which drug class is used to reduce heart rate in atrial fibrillation through AV nodal blockade?
- Sodium channel blockers (Class I)
- Beta-blockers and non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (Correct answer)
- Potassium channel blockers (Class III)
- Nitrates
Correct answer: Beta-blockers and non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers
Beta-blockers and non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, verapamil) slow AV nodal conduction to achieve ventricular rate control in atrial fibrillation.
Question 3: Aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor (dual antiplatelet therapy) are required after coronary stent placement for:
- 6 weeks only
- At least 6–12 months (drug-eluting stent) to prevent stent thrombosis (Correct answer)
- Lifetime indefinitely in all patients
- Only until the patient is discharged
Correct answer: At least 6–12 months (drug-eluting stent) to prevent stent thrombosis
Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is mandatory for at least 6–12 months after drug-eluting stent placement to prevent stent thrombosis during endothelialization.
Question 4: Dobutamine stress echocardiography uses dobutamine to:
- Cause coronary vasodilation
- Increase heart rate and contractility to simulate exercise stress (Correct answer)
- Reduce blood pressure for safety
- Induce arrhythmias for EP testing
Correct answer: Increase heart rate and contractility to simulate exercise stress
Dobutamine is a beta-1 agonist that increases heart rate and contractility, simulating exercise-like physiologic stress to assess wall motion and viability.
Question 5: Protamine sulfate is used to reverse the effects of:
- Warfarin
- Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) completely
- Unfractionated heparin (Correct answer)
- Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs)
Correct answer: Unfractionated heparin
Protamine sulfate binds and neutralizes unfractionated heparin; it only partially reverses LMWH and has no effect on DOACs.
Question 6: Statins are prescribed after acute coronary syndrome primarily to:
- Lower heart rate
- Reduce LDL cholesterol and stabilize atherosclerotic plaques (Correct answer)
- Prevent arrhythmias
- Decrease preload
Correct answer: Reduce LDL cholesterol and stabilize atherosclerotic plaques
High-intensity statin therapy after ACS reduces LDL, stabilizes vulnerable plaques, and has proven mortality benefits independent of baseline cholesterol levels.
CSC CSC Pharmacology & Treatment Protocols 2
Amiodarone is effective for treating which arrhythmias?