QMAP Medication Classifications and Effects 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which class of medications is primarily used to lower blood pressure?
- Analgesics
- Antihypertensives (Correct answer)
- Antihistamines
- Antibiotics
Correct answer: Antihypertensives
Antihypertensives lower blood pressure. The class includes ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics.
Common examples: lisinopril, losartan, metoprolol, amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide. QMAPs should know these because hypertension is prevalent in residential care. Key monitoring: blood pressure before administration.
Question 2: What is the primary therapeutic effect of a bronchodilator?
- Reduces fever
- Opens airways by relaxing bronchial muscles (Correct answer)
- Slows heart rate
- Reduces joint inflammation
Correct answer: Opens airways by relaxing bronchial muscles
Bronchodilators relax airway smooth muscles, widening them to improve airflow to the lungs.
Common bronchodilators include albuterol (quick relief) and tiotropium (maintenance). Side effects include increased heart rate, tremors, and nervousness. Recognize when a bronchodilator is needed: wheezing, shortness of breath.
Question 3: A resident is prescribed an anticoagulant. What should the QMAP watch for?
- Weight gain
- Signs of unusual bleeding such as bruising, blood in urine or stool, or bleeding gums (Correct answer)
- Increased appetite
- Drowsiness
Correct answer: Signs of unusual bleeding such as bruising, blood in urine or stool, or bleeding gums
Anticoagulants increase bleeding risk. Monitor for unusual bruising, blood in urine or stool, and bleeding gums.
Common anticoagulants: warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban. Watch for unexplained bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, blood in urine or stool, bleeding gums, nosebleeds. Report any signs immediately to the supervising nurse.
Question 4: What is the difference between a generic and brand name medication?
- No difference
- Generic is the universal chemical name; brand is the manufacturer's proprietary name (Correct answer)
- Brand names are always safer
- Generic medications are always weaker
Correct answer: Generic is the universal chemical name; brand is the manufacturer's proprietary name
Generic names are universal (acetaminophen). Brand names are proprietary (Tylenol). Both contain the same active ingredients.
By law, generic medications contain the same active ingredient, dose, and bioavailability as brand-name versions. QMAPs must know both names since prescriptions and labels may use either.
Question 5: Which class of medications treats bacterial infections?
- Antivirals
- Antifungals
- Antibiotics (Correct answer)
- Antihistamines
Correct answer: Antibiotics
Antibiotics kill or inhibit bacteria. They are ineffective against viral or fungal infections.
Common classes: penicillins (amoxicillin), cephalosporins, macrolides (azithromycin). Important: antibiotics do NOT treat viral infections. Must be taken for the full prescribed course to prevent resistance.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of a diuretic medication?
- Increase heart rate
- Increase urine output and reduce excess fluid (Correct answer)
- Reduce pain
- Lower blood sugar
Correct answer: Increase urine output and reduce excess fluid
Diuretics increase kidney urine output to remove excess fluid, used for heart failure, edema, and hypertension.
Common diuretics: furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide. Usually given in the morning to avoid nighttime urination. Can cause electrolyte imbalances. Monitor for dehydration: thirst, dry mouth, dizziness.
QMAP Medication Classifications and Effects 2
Which class of medications is primarily used to lower blood pressure?