ECG Cardiac Pharmacology

Question 1

Which class of medications slows the heart rate by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors?

Accepted Answer

Beta-blockers

Answer

Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, atenolol) block beta-1 receptors in the heart, reducing heart rate, contractility, and blood pressure.

Question 2

What is the primary use of nitroglycerin in cardiac patients?

Accepted Answer

To relieve angina by dilating blood vessels

Answer

Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that relaxes smooth muscle in blood vessel walls, reducing cardiac workload and relieving angina (chest pain from reduced blood flow).

Question 3

Which anticoagulant is commonly used to prevent stroke in atrial fibrillation?

Accepted Answer

Warfarin or DOACs (direct oral anticoagulants)

Answer

Warfarin and DOACs (like apixaban, rivaroxaban) are used in atrial fibrillation to prevent blood clots from forming in the fibrillating atria, reducing stroke risk.

Question 4

What does atropine do to the heart rate?

Accepted Answer

Increases it by blocking vagal (parasympathetic) tone

Answer

Atropine blocks the parasympathetic (vagal) input to the heart via muscarinic receptors, which removes the vagal brake and increases heart rate. It is used for symptomatic bradycardia.

Question 5

What is the antidote for warfarin overdose?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin K

Answer

Vitamin K reverses the anticoagulant effects of warfarin by restoring the production of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors (II, VII, IX, X).

ECG Certification Practice Test

ECG Certification Practice Test

ECG Cardiac Pharmacology