All NCLEX-PN Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Cardiovascular Pharmacology
Which of the following is the most common adverse effect of calcium channel blockers?
Edema
AV block
Nausea
Gynecomastia
Edema
All of these are possible side effects of calcium channel blockers, but the most common side effect is edema. Calcium channel blockers decrease blood pressure by hindering the influx of calcium into myocardial cells. They may also increase the diameter of blood vessels, which always results in decreased blood pressure.
Example Question #1 : Cardiovascular Pharmacology
Which of the following conditions can be treated with hydrochlorothiazide?
Angina
Pericarditis
Atherosclerosis
Hypertension
Hypertension
Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic, used primarily in the treatment of hypertension and edema.
Example Question #3 : Cardiovascular Pharmacology
What class of drug is losartan?
Loop diuretic
Angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)
Calcium channel blocker
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor)
Angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)
Losartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). This class of drugs lowers blood pressure by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II and is useful for patients who cannot tolerate ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors' adverse effects.
Example Question #4 : Cardiovascular Pharmacology
Diltiazem is an example of what class of cardiovascular medication?
Potassium sparing diuretic
Beta blocker
Calcium channel blocker
Angiotensin receptor blocker
Calcium channel blocker
Diltiazem is an example of a calcium channel blocker. This class of drugs reduces blood pressure by relaxing smooth muscles in the walls of arteries, leading to vasodilation and decreased peripheral resistance.
Example Question #5 : Cardiovascular Pharmacology
Which of the following describes the mechanism of action of the class of drugs known as beta blockers?
Block response to beta-adrenergic stimulation
Block the production of angiotensin II
Block beta cell secretion in the pancreas
Beta-2 adrenergic agonists
Block response to beta-adrenergic stimulation
Beta blockers act by blocking response to beta-adrenergic stimulation. In that way they are beta-adrenergic antagonists, rather than agonists. ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors, not beta blockers, block the production of angiotensin II, but both act to decrease blood pressure. Beta blockers have nothing to do with beta cells of the pancreatic islets, which secrete insulin.
Example Question #6 : Cardiovascular Pharmacology
When educating a patient on a new beta blocker prescription which of the following safety information is most critical?
Beta blockers can not be stopped abruptly due to risk of severe (even fatal) rebound hypertension
The patient must stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking a beta blocker due to risk of esophagitis
Beta blockers should be eaten with a meal that contains fat to improve absorption
Beta blockers may cause anxiety and tachycardia
Beta blockers can not be stopped abruptly due to risk of severe (even fatal) rebound hypertension
The most critical safety information a patient must know when initiating beta blocker therapy is that they can not abruptly stop taking their beta blocker, due to the risk of rebound hypertension. A beta blocker would be more likely to cause bradycardia and a depressed effect than anxiety and tachycardia. Beta blockers are not associated with any type of esophagitis and they are not fat soluble, thus it is not crucial to eat a fatty meal with the drug in order to improve absorption.
Example Question #7 : Cardiovascular Pharmacology
Which of the following heart medications is most likely to cause a chronic dry cough?
Atenolol
Hydrochlorothiazide
Enalapril
Amlodipine
Enalapril
Enalapril is an ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor. One of the most commonly reported side effects of ACE inhibitor use is a chronic dry cough. This is likely due to the medication's inhibition of kininase II (ACE), which results in a buildup of kinins in the respiratory tract.
None of the other medications listed are associated with persistent cough.
Example Question #8 : Cardiovascular Pharmacology
What is the antidote for overdose of warfarin?
IV magnesium
Heparin
Protamine sulfate
Vitamin K
Vitamin K
The proper antidote for overdose of warfarin is vitamin K. Heparin will not reverse the effects of too much warfarin (it would only aggravate the problem). Protamine sulfate is the antidote for overdose of heparin. IV magnesium may be used to antidote digoxin if digibind is unavailable.
Example Question #9 : Cardiovascular Pharmacology
Which of the following is an adverse effect in the client being treated for hypertension with enalapril?
Swelling of the tongue
Insomnia
Nausea
Dry cough
Swelling of the tongue
A swelling of the tongue indicates that a client may be allergic to enalapril. Other indicators include rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, and tightness in the chest.
Example Question #10 : Cardiovascular Pharmacology
Which of the following medications is a non-selective beta-adrenoceptor and alpha-adrenergic blocker?
Lisinopril
Clonidine
Carvedilol
Amiodarone
Carvedilol
Carvedilol is a non-selective beta-adrenoceptor and alpha-adrenergic blocker. Lisinopril is an ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor. Clonidine is an alpha-adrenergic agonist, and amiodarone is a sodium-channel blocker.