NTA NTA Pharmacology and Medications

Question 1

What is the primary cardiac action of atropine?

Accepted Answer

Increases heart rate by blocking parasympathetic (vagal) tone

Answer

Atropine blocks the parasympathetic muscarinic receptors on the SA node, removing vagal slowing and increasing heart rate — making it the first-line drug for symptomatic bradycardia.

Question 2

Which drug is the first-line pharmacologic treatment for terminating supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)?

Accepted Answer

Adenosine

Answer

Adenosine transiently blocks AV node conduction to interrupt the reentrant circuit driving SVT, and must be given as a rapid IV bolus due to its extremely short half-life.

Question 3

Which ECG finding is characteristic of digoxin toxicity?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged PR interval and scooped ST depression

Answer

Digoxin toxicity produces a prolonged PR interval and the classic scooped or 'Salvador Dali mustache' ST depression pattern on ECG.

Question 4

Amiodarone exerts its antiarrhythmic effect through which mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Blocks sodium, potassium, and calcium channels while also having beta-blocking properties

Answer

Amiodarone is a broad-spectrum Class III antiarrhythmic that blocks multiple ion channels and has alpha- and beta-blocking properties, making it effective for a wide range of arrhythmias.

Question 5

What is the first-line vasopressor used during ACLS for ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT)?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Epinephrine 1 mg IV every 3–5 minutes is the first-line vasopressor in the ACLS VF/pVT algorithm, improving coronary and cerebral perfusion pressure during resuscitation.

NTA - National Telemetry Association Practice Test

NTA - National Telemetry Association Practice Test

NTA NTA Pharmacology and Medications