ATI RN
Cardiovascular Drugs Pharmacology NCLEX Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
All of the following drugs demonstrate a fungicidal effect, EXCEPT:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this question about cardiovascular drugs pharmacology, the correct answer is C) Ketoconazole. Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication that exhibits a fungistatic effect, meaning it inhibits the growth of fungi but does not outright kill them. Amphotericin B (option B) is known for its fungicidal effect, which means it kills fungi. Terbinafine (option A) and Miconazole (option D) also have fungicidal properties, hence they are not the correct answers to this question. Educationally, understanding the distinction between fungistatic and fungicidal effects of antifungal drugs is crucial in pharmacology. This knowledge is vital for healthcare professionals to select the most appropriate treatment for fungal infections based on the desired outcome of inhibiting growth or killing the fungi. Understanding these nuances can ultimately improve patient outcomes and prevent the development of drug resistance.
Question 2 of 5
Action mechanism of alkylating agents is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In pharmacology, understanding the action mechanism of alkylating agents is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially when dealing with cardiovascular drugs. The correct answer is B) Producing carbonium ions altering DNA structure. Alkylating agents work by transferring alkyl groups to nucleophilic agents such as DNA, leading to DNA damage and interference with DNA replication and transcription. This mechanism makes them effective in treating cancer by inhibiting cell division. Option A) Producing carbonium ions altering protein structure is incorrect because alkylating agents primarily target DNA, not proteins. Option C) Structural antagonism against purine and pyrimidine is incorrect as this describes antimetabolites like methotrexate, not alkylating agents. Option D) Inhibition of DNA-dependent RNA synthesis is incorrect because alkylating agents primarily affect DNA structure, leading to disruption of DNA replication and cell death. Understanding the mechanism of action of alkylating agents is essential for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about drug therapy, especially in conditions like cancer where these agents are commonly used. This knowledge helps in predicting potential side effects, drug interactions, and overall treatment efficacy, ensuring safe and effective patient care.
Question 3 of 5
A 55-year-old woman with a long history of poorly controlled essential hypertension had recently added atenolol to her therapeutic regimen. Which of the following was most likely a primary mechanism that mediated the antihypertensive effect of atenolol in this patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Inhibition of epinephrine release from the adrenal medulla. Atenolol is a beta-blocker that works by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors. By doing so, it inhibits the effects of catecholamines such as epinephrine, which normally act to increase heart rate and contractility, leading to elevated blood pressure. By blocking these effects, atenolol reduces heart rate and cardiac output, resulting in decreased blood pressure. Option A) Dilation of large veins is incorrect because atenolol primarily acts on the heart and not on blood vessels. It does not directly cause vasodilation. Option C) Nitroprusside is a potent vasodilator used for hypertensive emergencies, but it works through a different mechanism involving direct relaxation of vascular smooth muscle, not through beta-blockade like atenolol. Option D) Fenoldopam is a selective dopamine receptor agonist that causes arterial vasodilation but does not inhibit epinephrine release like atenolol. In an educational context, understanding the mechanisms of action of cardiovascular drugs like atenolol is crucial for nurses and other healthcare professionals to provide safe and effective care to patients with hypertension. Knowing how each drug works allows for appropriate selection, monitoring, and patient education regarding potential side effects and interactions.
Question 4 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 5 of 5
The term ischemic heart disease (IHD) is used to designate all of the following conditions except
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) Congestive heart failure (CHF). Ischemic heart disease (IHD) refers to a condition where there is a reduced blood supply to the heart muscle due to narrowed coronary arteries. This leads to inadequate oxygen supply to the heart, resulting in various conditions. Angina pectoris (option A) is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle doesn't receive enough oxygen-rich blood. Sudden cardiac death (option B) is a sudden, unexpected death caused by loss of heart function, usually due to arrhythmias (option D). Arrhythmias (option D) are abnormal heart rhythms that can result from IHD. Congestive heart failure (CHF) (option C) is a condition where the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. While CHF can be caused by IHD, it is not synonymous with IHD. In an educational context, understanding the different conditions associated with IHD is crucial for nursing students preparing for the NCLEX. It helps them differentiate between various cardiovascular diseases and their manifestations, aiding in accurate diagnosis and appropriate management strategies for patients with cardiovascular issues.