Free Cardiovascular and Respiratory Drugs MCQs with Answers
50 Cardiovascular and Respiratory Drugs MCQs from Nursing Pharmacology, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.
Cardiovascular and respiratory drugs include antihypertensives, diuretics, antianginal agents, antiarrhythmics, cardiac glycosides, anticoagulants, bronchodilators, corticosteroids and cough medicines. Questions focus on mechanisms, indications, contraindications, toxicity and monitoring, especially the difference between drugs that reduce blood pressure, improve cardiac output or open narrowed airways.
Last updated
50 questions · page 3 of 3
- A. Irreversibly inhibits platelet cyclooxygenase
- B. Directly dissolves an established blood clot
- C. Replaces clotting factors consumed during bleeding
- D. Prevents fibrin breakdown in a damaged vessel
Explanation: Aspirin irreversibly inhibits platelet cyclooxygenase, reducing thromboxane A2 and platelet aggregation for the life of the platelet.
Correct answer: Irreversibly inhibits platelet cyclooxygenase- A. Rebound hypertension and severe headache
- B. Gradual hypoglycaemia and sweating
- C. Permanent hearing loss and tinnitus
- D. Immediate fluid loss and dehydration
Explanation: Abrupt withdrawal of clonidine can cause sympathetic overactivity, producing rebound hypertension, headache and agitation.
Correct answer: Rebound hypertension and severe headache- A. Slows conduction through the atrioventricular node
- B. Increases conduction through the atrioventricular node
- C. Stimulates the kidneys to excrete uric acid
- D. Increases platelet production in bone marrow
Explanation: Diltiazem is a nondihydropyridine calcium channel blocker that slows atrioventricular nodal conduction and can reduce the ventricular…
Correct answer: Slows conduction through the atrioventricular node- A. I use it regularly, not for sudden severe breathlessness
- B. I use it only after an acute attack has already started
- C. I stop it whenever my breathing feels normal for one day
- D. I swallow the capsule so the medicine works throughout my body
Explanation: Tiotropium is a long-acting inhaled anticholinergic used for maintenance control and is not a rapid rescue medicine.
Correct answer: I use it regularly, not for sudden severe breathlessness- A. Report the symptoms for prompt assessment
- B. Tell the patient to double the next dose
- C. Advise stopping prednisone immediately
- D. Reassure the patient that infection is impossible
Explanation: Long-term corticosteroids suppress immune responses and may increase infection risk while masking typical signs.
Correct answer: Report the symptoms for prompt assessment- A. It breaks down mucus and makes secretions easier to clear
- B. It suppresses the cough reflex and dries respiratory secretions
- C. It relaxes bronchial smooth muscle for immediate relief
- D. It reduces airway inflammation by replacing corticosteroids
Explanation: Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic that breaks disulfide bonds in mucus, reducing its viscosity and helping the patient expectorate.
Correct answer: It breaks down mucus and makes secretions easier to clear- A. It reduces airway inflammation but is not a rapid rescue bronchodilator
- B. It works by increasing mucus thickness during an attack
- C. It prevents oxygen from entering the alveoli during wheezing
- D. It acts only by lowering the patient's blood pressure
Explanation: Corticosteroids reduce airway inflammation and help control exacerbations, but they do not rapidly relax bronchial smooth muscle.
Correct answer: It reduces airway inflammation but is not a rapid rescue bronchodilator- A. Accumulation of bradykinin in the airways
- B. Excess fluid in the pulmonary alveoli
- C. Reduced potassium in the bloodstream
- D. Increased mucus production in the bronchi
Explanation: ACE inhibitors such as enalapril can cause a persistent dry cough by reducing bradykinin breakdown.
Correct answer: Accumulation of bradykinin in the airways- A. It is a common peripheral vasodilator effect
- B. It shows severe kidney failure from the drug
- C. It indicates an immediate allergic reaction
- D. It results from dangerously low blood glucose
Explanation: Amlodipine relaxes arteriolar smooth muscle and may cause peripheral ankle oedema because of increased capillary fluid movement.
Correct answer: It is a common peripheral vasodilator effect- A. It directly inhibits factor Xa
- B. It activates antithrombin to inhibit thrombin
- C. It blocks platelet cyclooxygenase
- D. It prevents vitamin K absorption
Explanation: Apixaban directly inhibits factor Xa, reducing thrombin generation and clot formation.
Correct answer: It directly inhibits factor Xa