ATI RN
Cardiovascular Drugs Pharmacology NCLEX Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Activation of dopamine D receptors
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Labetalol is a non-selective beta blocker with alpha-blocking properties that also activates dopamine D receptors. This action helps to reduce blood pressure by decreasing peripheral vascular resistance. Furosemide is a loop diuretic, Hydralazine is a direct vasodilator, and Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, none of which directly activate dopamine D receptors.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following drugs is a potassium channel opener?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this question on cardiovascular drugs pharmacology, the correct answer is A) Pinacidil, which is a potassium channel opener. Pinacidil acts by opening ATP-sensitive potassium channels in vascular smooth muscle cells, leading to hyperpolarization and relaxation of the smooth muscle, ultimately resulting in vasodilation. Option B) Hydralazine is a direct-acting vasodilator that works through a different mechanism by directly relaxing arteriolar smooth muscle, without affecting potassium channels. Option C) Glibenclamide is a sulfonylurea drug used in the treatment of diabetes by stimulating insulin release from pancreatic beta cells, and it does not affect potassium channels in the cardiovascular system. Option D) Amiloride is a potassium-sparing diuretic that acts on the distal convoluted tubule of the kidney to inhibit sodium reabsorption but does not have any direct effect on potassium channels in the vasculature. Understanding the mechanisms of action of these drugs is crucial for nursing students preparing for the NCLEX exam as it helps in making informed decisions regarding drug therapy for patients with cardiovascular conditions. Knowing the specific actions of each drug can also aid in predicting potential side effects and drug interactions, ensuring safe and effective patient care.
Question 3 of 5
Fibrinolysis is mainly carried out by
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fibrinolysis is a critical process in the body that helps dissolve blood clots. In this context, the correct answer is C) Both (a) and (b) - Tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA). Tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) is primarily produced by endothelial cells and plays a crucial role in converting plasminogen to plasmin, which then degrades fibrin clots. Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) is another enzyme that also converts plasminogen to plasmin, contributing to the fibrinolytic process. Option A) Tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) is correct because it is a key activator in fibrinolysis. Option B) Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) is also correct as it is another important activator in the breakdown of blood clots. Therefore, the correct answer C) Both (a) and (b) encompasses the main activators involved in fibrinolysis. Option D) None of the above is incorrect as both t-PA and u-PA are essential components of the fibrinolytic system. Understanding the mechanisms of fibrinolysis is crucial in the context of cardiovascular drugs pharmacology, as drugs targeting these pathways are used in clinical practice to manage conditions such as acute myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. Knowing the specific activators involved in fibrinolysis helps healthcare professionals make informed decisions regarding treatment options for patients with thrombotic disorders.
Question 4 of 5
The client is taking an ACE inhibitor. What is a contraindication to taking this drug?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Renal artery stenosis. ACE inhibitors are commonly prescribed for conditions like hypertension and heart failure due to their ability to dilate blood vessels and reduce blood pressure. However, in the case of renal artery stenosis, ACE inhibitors can potentially worsen kidney function. This is because ACE inhibitors can further decrease blood flow to the kidneys by dilating the efferent arterioles, which can exacerbate renal insufficiency in individuals with renal artery stenosis. Option A) Hypertension is an incorrect answer because ACE inhibitors are actually indicated for the treatment of hypertension. Option B) Bronchospasm is an incorrect answer because ACE inhibitors do not typically cause bronchospasm. In fact, they are often used in the management of heart failure and other cardiovascular conditions. Option D) Heart failure is an incorrect answer because ACE inhibitors are commonly prescribed for heart failure to help improve cardiac function and outcomes. Educationally, understanding the contraindications of medications is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially when administering drugs that can have significant impacts on a patient's condition. This knowledge ensures safe and effective patient care by preventing adverse reactions and complications. Healthcare providers need to be well-versed in the indications and contraindications of drugs to make informed decisions in clinical practice and provide optimal patient care.
Question 5 of 5
The client has a regular rhythm with a rate of 50. What does this represent?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Sinus bradycardia. Sinus bradycardia is characterized by a regular heartbeat with a rate less than 60 beats per minute. A heart rate of 50 falls within the range of bradycardia. Option A) Sinus tachycardia is incorrect because tachycardia refers to a heart rate above 100 beats per minute, which is the opposite of the scenario presented here. Option B) Regular sinus rhythm is misleading as it describes a normal heart rhythm, but it does not specify the rate. In this case, the rate is slower than normal. Option D) Frequent PVCs (Premature Ventricular Contractions) is incorrect as it refers to extra, abnormal heartbeats originating in the ventricles, not a slow regular rhythm as described in the question. Educationally, understanding different heart rhythms and their associated rates is vital for healthcare professionals, especially in pharmacology. Recognizing bradycardia is crucial as it can have clinical implications and may require medical intervention depending on the patient's condition. This knowledge is essential for providing safe and effective patient care.