NCLEX Pharmacology Quiz 17 Cardiovascular Drugs

1. As a competent nurse. you are aware that vasodilators are used mainly to treat:

Diabetes

Hypertension

Atrial fibrillation

Hypotension

Vasodilators are used to treat hypertension. They are not used to treat diabetes. Atrial fibrillation is not treated with vasodilators. Vasodilators are not used to treat hypotension.

Explanation

Vasodilators are used to treat hypertension. They are not used to treat diabetes. Atrial fibrillation is not treated with vasodilators. Vasodilators are not used to treat hypotension.

2. For a client taking drugs to treat peripheral vascular disease. it is important to provide health education about:

Smoking cessation

Developing a proper balance between rest and activity

Proper foot care

All of the above

An important component in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease is health education on preventing further injury to ischemic tissues. Medication therapy is only one aspect.

Explanation

An important component in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease is health education on preventing further injury to ischemic tissues. Medication therapy is only one aspect.

3. Which of the following clients is most likely to experience adverse effects from treatment with diuretics?

A 21-year-old student

A 40-year-old unmarried man

A 60-year-old widower

A 75-year-old man

Elderly clients are more sensitive to the effects of diuretics.

Explanation

Elderly clients are more sensitive to the effects of diuretics.

4. Raymund is reviewing on cardiovascular drugs for his upcoming exam. For a well-prepared student. he should know that vasodilators are agents that:

Relax smooth muscles

Are used to treat hypotension

Stimulate the adrenergic receptors of peripheral sympathetic nerves

Cause respiratory depression

Vasodilators relax smooth muscle. They are used to treat hypertension. not hypotension. Stimulating the adrenergic receptors of peripheral sympathetic nerves causes blood vessels to contract. Choice D is not an action of vasodilators.

Explanation

Vasodilators relax smooth muscle. They are used to treat hypertension. not hypotension. Stimulating the adrenergic receptors of peripheral sympathetic nerves causes blood vessels to contract. Choice D is not an action of vasodilators.

5. A clinical instructor asks a nursing student about aldosterone antagonist. The student is correct by saying that aldosterone antagonists:

Create an osmotic gradient

Inhibit the exchange of sodium for potassium

Cause metabolic acidosis

Work poorly in the presence of endogenous aldosterone

Aldosterone antagonists compete with endogenous aldosterone and prevent sodium reabsorption in exchange for potassium elimination. Aldosterone antagonists work on inhibiting the action of aldosterone rather than creating an osmotic gradient. Aldosterone antagonist do not cause metabolic acidosis. Aldosterone antagonists must work in the presence of endogenous aldosterone.

Explanation

Aldosterone antagonists compete with endogenous aldosterone and prevent sodium reabsorption in exchange for potassium elimination. Aldosterone antagonists work on inhibiting the action of aldosterone rather than creating an osmotic gradient. Aldosterone antagonist do not cause metabolic acidosis. Aldosterone antagonists must work in the presence of endogenous aldosterone.

6. The drug/drugs used most commonly to treat peripheral or cerebral vascular obstructive disease is/are:

Pentoxifylline (Trental)

Cyclandelate (Cyclan)

Isoxsuprine (Vasodilan)

All of the above

All are vasodilators used primarily to treat peripheral or cerebral vascular obstructive disease.

Explanation

All are vasodilators used primarily to treat peripheral or cerebral vascular obstructive disease.

7. In a 50-year-old widower who had a transient ischemic attack. what is the most common vasodilator used for his treatment?

Norepinephrine

Dopamine (Intropin)

Papaverine (Pavabid)

Nitroprusside (Nitropress)

Nitroprusside (Nitropress) is used in this situation. A and B are sympathomimetics used to treat hypotension. Papaverine is contraindicated in myocardial depressant states.

Explanation

Nitroprusside (Nitropress) is used in this situation. A and B are sympathomimetics used to treat hypotension. Papaverine is contraindicated in myocardial depressant states.

8. Which of the following is a potential side effect of IV furosemide (Lasix)?

Drowsiness

Diarrhea

Cystitis

Hearing loss

Patients receiving large doses of loop diuretics are at risk for developing ototoxicity.

Explanation

Patients receiving large doses of loop diuretics are at risk for developing ototoxicity.

9. A 68-year-old client with a history of mild CHF and glaucoma is receiving IV mannitol (Osmitrol) to decrease intraocular pressure. The nurse would monitor the client for signs and symptoms of:

Fluid volume excess

Fluid volume deficit

Hyperkalemia

Hypernatremia

Mannitol‘s osmotic effect extends to the bloodstream. where increased osmotic pressure draws fluid into the vascular space. thus elevating intravascular volume.

Explanation

Mannitol‘s osmotic effect extends to the bloodstream. where increased osmotic pressure draws fluid into the vascular space. thus elevating intravascular volume.

10. All potassium-sparing diuretics:

Are required supplements during blood transfusion

Enhance aldosterone action

Cause hypokalemia

Are weak diuretics

Potassium-sparing diuretics are not potent diuretics when used alone. They are used as adjunctive therapy with other diuretics to minimize potassium loss. Potassium-sparing diuretics given during blood transfusions tend to cause hyperkalemia because potassium is present in the transfusion. These drugs block aldosterone’s effects. These drugs cause hyperkalemia. not hypokalemia.

Explanation

Potassium-sparing diuretics are not potent diuretics when used alone. They are used as adjunctive therapy with other diuretics to minimize potassium loss. Potassium-sparing diuretics given during blood transfusions tend to cause hyperkalemia because potassium is present in the transfusion. These drugs block aldosterone’s effects. These drugs cause hyperkalemia. not hypokalemia.