Cardiovascular Exam Study Guide (2022)

What is a significant difference between ACE inhibitors and ARBs?

ACE inhibitors and ARBs have the same mechanism of action but target different receptors.
ACE inhibitors directly inhibit aldosterone production, while ARBs act on the renin-angiotensin system.
ACE inhibitors are more commonly used in heart failure, while ARBs are preferred for hypertension.
ACE inhibitors block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, while ARBs block the action of angiotensin II on its receptors. (correct)

What is a major side effect of all antidysrhythmic drugs?

Hypertension
Tachycardia
Bradycardia
Arrhythmia (correct)

How do heparin and warfarin differ from each other?

Heparin works by inhibiting vitamin K, while warfarin works by inhibiting thrombin.
Heparin is taken orally, while warfarin is administered intravenously.
Heparin requires close monitoring due to its variable effects, while warfarin does not. (correct)
Warfarin has a rapid onset of action compared to heparin.

What lifestyle risk factor for hypertension can be addressed by encouraging patients to reduce their sodium intake?

High sodium intake (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why are antidysrhythmic drugs now less frequently prescribed?

They can potentially worsen existing arrhythmias or cause new ones. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common adverse effect of diuretics that healthcare providers should monitor for in patients?

Hyperkalemia (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the antagonist for warfarin?

Vitamin K (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes one major difference between calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and beta-blockers?

Beta-blockers primarily decrease heart rate, while CCBs primarily cause vasodilation. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential factor that contributes to poor compliance with antihypertensive medications?

High medication cost (D) Signup and view all the answers

How are iron deficiency, B12 deficiency, and folic acid deficiency treated?

With nutritional supplements or dietary changes (C) Signup and view all the answers

What term best describes the ability of the heart to contract with force?

Inotropic (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism of action of nitroglycerin primarily used for?

To relieve chest pain due to angina (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for the nurse to be cautious if a patient prescribed digoxin experiences nausea and loss of appetite?

Nausea and loss of appetite indicate digoxin toxicity. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes heparin, warfarin, and enoxaparin in terms of their mechanism of action?

Heparin activates protein C, warfarin inhibits antithrombin, and enoxaparin binds to factor Xa. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key factor determining the reduced prescription of antidysrhythmic drugs nowadays?

Growing concerns about the proarrhythmic effects of antidysrhythmics. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary side effect common to all antidysrhythmic drugs?

QT interval prolongation (A) Signup and view all the answers

Based on the new guidelines, what is the main change regarding prescribing statin medications?

The focus is now more on individualized risk assessment for statin therapy initiation. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How do iron deficiency, B12 deficiency, and folic acid deficiency differ in their treatment approaches?

Iron deficiency requires dietary changes, while B12 and folic acid deficiencies need supplementation. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinguishing feature between anticoagulant, antiplatelet, thrombolytic, erythropoietic, and leukopoietic drugs?

Antiplatelets prevent clot formation by inhibiting platelet aggregation, which differs from anticoagulants that block clotting factors synthesis. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates nitroglycerin from other drugs in terms of mechanism of action and side effects?

Nitroglycerin dilates blood vessels and may lead to orthostatic hypotension. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between thiazide and loop diuretics?

Thiazide diuretics mainly act on the loop of Henle, while loop diuretics mainly act on the distal convoluted tubule. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What should a nurse assess prior to administering a calcium channel blocker?

Blood pressure and heart rate (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which lifestyle risk factor for hypertension can be addressed by encouraging patients to limit alcohol intake?

Increasing physical activity (C) Signup and view all the answers

In what way do ACE inhibitors differ from ARBs in their mechanism of action?

ACE inhibitors interfere with the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, while ARBs block the angiotensin II receptor. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic difference between dihydropyridine and non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers?

Dihydropyridines are less likely to cause reflex tachycardia than non-dihydropyridines. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the primary therapeutic use of vasodilators?

Vasodilators are indicated for hypertensive emergencies to rapidly reduce blood pressure. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is an effect of vasodilators that sets them apart from beta-blockers as antihypertensive agents?

Vasodilators primarily reduce heart rate, while beta-blockers have a stronger impact on blood vessels. (D) Signup and view all the answers