Pharmacology Cardiovascular System Drugs 2

Question 1

Which adverse effect is most associated with ACE inhibitors and results from bradykinin accumulation?

Accepted Answer

Dry persistent cough

Answer

ACE inhibitors block the breakdown of bradykinin, causing a characteristic dry, persistent cough in up to 20% of patients.

Question 2

A patient on warfarin begins taking amiodarone. What INR adjustment is expected?

Accepted Answer

INR will increase; reduce warfarin dose

Answer

Amiodarone inhibits CYP2C9, reducing warfarin metabolism and raising INR, so the warfarin dose must be reduced.

Question 3

Which calcium channel blocker subclass has the greatest selectivity for cardiac conduction tissue and is used to slow ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation?

Accepted Answer

Phenylalkylamines (e.g., verapamil)

Answer

Verapamil (phenylalkylamine) has the highest cardiac selectivity among calcium channel blockers and effectively slows AV nodal conduction.

Question 4

Hydralazine exerts its antihypertensive effect primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Directly relaxing arteriolar smooth muscle

Answer

Hydralazine is a direct-acting arteriolar vasodilator that reduces systemic vascular resistance without significant venodilation.

Question 5

Which antiarrhythmic drug prolongs the QT interval by blocking potassium channels and carries a risk of torsades de pointes?

Accepted Answer

Sotalol

Answer

Sotalol (Class III antiarrhythmic) blocks IKr potassium channels, prolonging repolarization and QT interval, predisposing to torsades de pointes.

Pharmacology Practice Test

Pharmacology Practice Test

Pharmacology Cardiovascular System Drugs 2