Pharmacology Cardiovascular System Drugs Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient being treated for hypertension with lisinopril presents with a persistent, non-productive cough. This adverse effect is primarily attributed to the accumulation of which substance?

Accepted Answer

Bradykinin

Answer

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is responsible for the breakdown of bradykinin. By inhibiting ACE, lisinopril causes an accumulation of bradykinin in the respiratory tract, which can lead to bronchial irritation and a characteristic dry cough.

Question 2

A 65-year-old male on long-term atorvastatin therapy for hypercholesterolemia presents with severe muscle pain, tenderness, and weakness. Which laboratory value is most critical to assess for potential rhabdomyolysis?

Accepted Answer

Creatine Kinase (CK)

Answer

Statin-induced myopathy is a serious adverse effect that can progress to rhabdomyolysis. Creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme released from damaged muscle tissue. Markedly elevated CK levels (typically >10 times the upper limit of normal) are the hallmark laboratory finding for rhabdomyolysis.

Question 3

The use of a non-selective beta-blocker, such as propranolol, is contraindicated in which of the following patient populations due to the high risk of acute exacerbation?

Accepted Answer

Patients with asthma

Answer

Non-selective beta-blockers block both beta-1 and beta-2 adrenergic receptors. Blocking beta-2 receptors in the bronchial smooth muscle prevents bronchodilation and can lead to severe bronchoconstriction, which is particularly dangerous for patients with asthma.

Question 4

An elderly patient with chronic heart failure and renal impairment is taking digoxin. The patient develops nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances. Which electrolyte abnormality significantly increases the risk of digoxin toxicity?

Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia

Answer

Digoxin exerts its effect by inhibiting the Na+/K+-ATPase pump. Potassium and digoxin compete for the same binding site on this pump. When potassium levels are low (hypokalemia), more binding sites are available for digoxin, leading to an enhanced effect and increased risk of toxicity, even at therapeutic serum drug levels.

Question 5

What is the primary mechanism by which sublingual nitroglycerin provides rapid relief from an acute anginal attack?

Accepted Answer

Venodilation leading to a decrease in myocardial preload

Answer

Nitroglycerin is converted to nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator. Its primary effect is on the systemic veins, causing venodilation. This reduces the volume of blood returning to the heart (preload), which in turn decreases ventricular wall tension and myocardial oxygen demand, thus relieving anginal pain.

Pharmacology Practice Test

Pharmacology Practice Test

Pharmacology Cardiovascular System Drugs Questions and Answers