Pharmacology of Heart Medications

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What is the primary effect of beta-adrenergic blockers on the body?

Increase the heart rate and blood pressure

Cause myocardial ischemia

Enhance myocardial contractility

Block the effects of catecholamines (correct)

In which situation should a calcium channel blocker be used?

If beta blockers are ineffective or intolerable (correct)

When a patient can tolerate beta blockers

As a first-line treatment for all angina

To enhance the effects of nitrates

Which statement accurately describes the function of nitrates?

They induce vasoconstriction in coronary arteries.

They are used exclusively for unstable angina.

They cause generalized vascular and coronary vasodilation. (correct)

They primarily increase myocardial oxygen demand.

What condition may be treated with calcium channel blockers?

Dysrhythmias, stable angina, and hypertension Signup and view all the answers

How do beta-adrenergic blockers alleviate angina pain?

By blocking beta1- and beta2-receptor sites Signup and view all the answers

What complication can arise from the use of calcium channel blockers?

Hypotension Signup and view all the answers

What is the average prescribed dose of sublingual nitroglycerin tablets?

0.4 mg Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of classic angina makes nitrates particularly effective?

It is directly related to increased oxygen consumption. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is essential to monitor prior to administering certain heart medications?

Blood pressure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following effects is NOT associated with the use of CCBs?

Increased heart rate Signup and view all the answers

After taking nitroglycerin, what side effect might a patient experience due to peripheral vasodilation?

Headache Signup and view all the answers

How many times can sublingual nitroglycerin be administered for chest pain?

Three times Signup and view all the answers

What is the major reason sublingual nitroglycerin is not swallowed?

First-pass metabolism Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration of action for sublingual nitroglycerin?

10 minutes Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about cardiac dysrhythmias is accurate?

They can be either too fast or too slow. Signup and view all the answers

What precaution should be taken with nitroglycerin patches?

Do not touch the center. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of digoxin on the heart rate?

Decrease heart rate Signup and view all the answers

Which organ is primarily responsible for excreting digoxin?

Kidneys Signup and view all the answers

What side effect should be closely monitored in patients taking digoxin?

Digitalis toxicity Signup and view all the answers

What condition may result from left-sided heart failure?

Right-sided heart failure Signup and view all the answers

How much of digoxin is protein bound in the bloodstream?

30% Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical half-life range of digoxin?

30 to 40 hours Signup and view all the answers

Which type of heart failure is characterized by myocardial hypertrophy leading to cardiomegaly?

Progressive heart failure Signup and view all the answers

When might serum digoxin levels most commonly be drawn?

When digitalis toxicity is suspected Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of cardiac glycosides in treating heart conditions?

To regulate heart contraction and improve blood flow Signup and view all the answers

Which condition indicates the presence of left-sided heart failure?

The left ventricle fails to pump blood effectively into the aorta Signup and view all the answers

What can cause heart failure, according to the content provided?

Chronic hypertension and myocardial infarction Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom experienced by patients with left-sided heart failure?

Shortness of breath and dyspnea Signup and view all the answers

Which drug class is specifically used to correct atrial fibrillation?

Antidysrhythmics Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism do cardiac glycosides use to increase the efficiency of heart contractions?

Inhibition of the sodium-potassium pump Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic symptom of right-sided heart failure?

Blood backed up into the systemic circulation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a cause of heart failure?

Cognitive disorders Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary action of class III drugs in treating ventricular dysrhythmias?

Prolong repolarization and action potential duration Signup and view all the answers

Which drug is commonly used in emergencies for rapid atrial fibrillation?

Amiodarone Signup and view all the answers

What effect do calcium channel blockers like verapamil have on the myocardium?

Decrease excitability and contractility Signup and view all the answers

Which patient condition is a contraindication for using verapamil?

Heart failure and AV block Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of hydrochlorothiazide in hypertension management?

Decrease extracellular fluid volume Signup and view all the answers

What is a common side effect of antihypertensive drugs like diuretics?

Electrolyte imbalances Signup and view all the answers

How do class IV drugs impact the AV node?

Increase refractory period Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about class III drugs is true?

They prolong repolarization and are used in emergencies. Signup and view all the answers