Cardiovascular Pharmacology Flashcards

Which of the following is the specific reversal agent for unfractionated heparin?

Answer: Protamine Sulfate

Protamine sulfate is a cationic protein that binds with anionic heparin to form a stable, inactive complex, thereby neutralizing its anticoagulant effect. It is the standard reversal agent for unfractionated heparin and is also used for low-molecular-weight heparin.

Clopidogrel (Plavix) exerts its antiplatelet effect by blocking which receptor on the platelet surface?

Answer: P2Y12 ADP

Clopidogrel is a thienopyridine that irreversibly inhibits the P2Y12 adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptor on platelets. This action prevents ADP-mediated platelet activation and aggregation, a key step in thrombus formation.

When administering adenosine for fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurement, the primary therapeutic effect is:

Answer: Maximal coronary vasodilation

Adenosine is a potent, short-acting vasodilator that causes maximal hyperemia (increased blood flow) in the coronary arteries. This state is essential for accurately measuring FFR, which assesses the physiological significance of a coronary stenosis.

A patient in cardiogenic shock is started on a norepinephrine (Levophed) infusion. The primary desired effect of this medication is:

Answer: Increased systemic vascular resistance via alpha-1 agonism

Norepinephrine is a potent alpha-1 adrenergic agonist, which causes significant peripheral vasoconstriction and increases systemic vascular resistance (SVR). This action raises blood pressure, which is critical in managing hypotensive states like cardiogenic shock.

Which of the following is a primary contraindication for administering a beta-blocker, such as metoprolol, to a patient with an acute myocardial infarction?

Answer: Acute heart failure with pulmonary edema

Beta-blockers have negative inotropic (reduce contractility) and chronotropic (reduce heart rate) effects. In a patient with acute decompensated heart failure and pulmonary edema, these effects can worsen cardiac output and exacerbate the condition.

Abciximab (ReoPro) is classified as which type of cardiovascular medication?

Answer: Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor

Abciximab is a monoclonal antibody fragment that binds to the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor on the surface of platelets. This action blocks the final common pathway of platelet aggregation, preventing fibrinogen from linking platelets together.