NR 293 Pharmacology: Cardiac Medications Practice Pack (Beta
Blockers & ACE Inhibitors) Exam 2026 |Chamberlain College
1. Which suffix is most commonly associated with ACE inhibitors?
A. -olol
B. -sartan
C. -pril
D. -pine
Answer: C
Rationale: ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) inhibitors typically end in the suffix ‘-
pril’, such as Lisinopril and Enalapril.
2. A patient taking Lisinopril develops a dry, non-productive cough. What is the
nurse’s best action?
A. Advise the patient to take a cough suppressant.
B. Instruct the patient to increase fluid intake to loosen secretions.
C. Reassure the patient that the cough will disappear within 24 hours.
D. Inform the provider, as this is a common reason to switch to an ARB.
Answer: D
Rationale: The accumulation of bradykinin in ACE inhibitors causes a dry cough, often
leading to the patient being switched to an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB).
,3. Which electrolyte imbalance is a common adverse effect of ACE inhibitors?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hyperkalemia
Answer: D
Rationale: ACE inhibitors reduce aldosterone secretion, which leads to potassium
retention, resulting in hyperkalemia.
4. Before administering a Beta Blocker like Metoprolol, which vital sign is the
most critical to assess?
A. Respiratory rate
B. Heart rate
C. Oxygen saturation
D. Temperature
Answer: B
Rationale: Beta blockers slow the heart rate. If the heart rate is less than 60 bpm, the dose
is typically held and the provider is notified.
5. Why is Propranolol contraindicated for patients with a history of severe
asthma?
A. It is a non-selective beta blocker that can cause bronchoconstriction.
B. It causes excessive mucus production.
C. It increases the risk of respiratory infections.
D. It interferes with the metabolism of albuterol.
Answer: A
Rationale: Propranolol blocks both Beta 1 (heart) and Beta 2 (lungs) receptors. Blocking
Beta 2 receptors can lead to bronchospasm in patients with asthma or COPD.
, 6. What is the most serious, life-threatening adverse effect of ACE inhibitors?
A. Alopecia
B. Angioedema
C. Constipation
D. Tinnitus
Answer: B
Rationale: Angioedema involves swelling of the tongue and throat, which can compromise
the airway and is a medical emergency.
7. Which statement by a patient starting Enalapril indicates a need for further
teaching?
A. I will change positions slowly to avoid dizziness.
B. I will report any swelling of my face or lips immediately.
C. I will use a salt substitute to keep my sodium intake low.
D. I will have my blood work checked for potassium levels.
Answer: C
Rationale: Salt substitutes often contain potassium chloride, which increases the risk of
hyperkalemia when combined with ACE inhibitors.
8. Beta blockers are described as having a ‘negative inotropic’ effect. This means
they:
A. Increase the heart rate.
B. Increase electrical conduction speed.
C. Decrease the force of myocardial contraction.
D. Cause vasoconstriction of the peripheral vessels.
Answer: C
Rationale: Inotropic refers to the force of contraction; negative inotropic means the heart
contracts with less force, reducing cardiac workload.
Blockers & ACE Inhibitors) Exam 2026 |Chamberlain College
1. Which suffix is most commonly associated with ACE inhibitors?
A. -olol
B. -sartan
C. -pril
D. -pine
Answer: C
Rationale: ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) inhibitors typically end in the suffix ‘-
pril’, such as Lisinopril and Enalapril.
2. A patient taking Lisinopril develops a dry, non-productive cough. What is the
nurse’s best action?
A. Advise the patient to take a cough suppressant.
B. Instruct the patient to increase fluid intake to loosen secretions.
C. Reassure the patient that the cough will disappear within 24 hours.
D. Inform the provider, as this is a common reason to switch to an ARB.
Answer: D
Rationale: The accumulation of bradykinin in ACE inhibitors causes a dry cough, often
leading to the patient being switched to an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB).
,3. Which electrolyte imbalance is a common adverse effect of ACE inhibitors?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hyperkalemia
Answer: D
Rationale: ACE inhibitors reduce aldosterone secretion, which leads to potassium
retention, resulting in hyperkalemia.
4. Before administering a Beta Blocker like Metoprolol, which vital sign is the
most critical to assess?
A. Respiratory rate
B. Heart rate
C. Oxygen saturation
D. Temperature
Answer: B
Rationale: Beta blockers slow the heart rate. If the heart rate is less than 60 bpm, the dose
is typically held and the provider is notified.
5. Why is Propranolol contraindicated for patients with a history of severe
asthma?
A. It is a non-selective beta blocker that can cause bronchoconstriction.
B. It causes excessive mucus production.
C. It increases the risk of respiratory infections.
D. It interferes with the metabolism of albuterol.
Answer: A
Rationale: Propranolol blocks both Beta 1 (heart) and Beta 2 (lungs) receptors. Blocking
Beta 2 receptors can lead to bronchospasm in patients with asthma or COPD.
, 6. What is the most serious, life-threatening adverse effect of ACE inhibitors?
A. Alopecia
B. Angioedema
C. Constipation
D. Tinnitus
Answer: B
Rationale: Angioedema involves swelling of the tongue and throat, which can compromise
the airway and is a medical emergency.
7. Which statement by a patient starting Enalapril indicates a need for further
teaching?
A. I will change positions slowly to avoid dizziness.
B. I will report any swelling of my face or lips immediately.
C. I will use a salt substitute to keep my sodium intake low.
D. I will have my blood work checked for potassium levels.
Answer: C
Rationale: Salt substitutes often contain potassium chloride, which increases the risk of
hyperkalemia when combined with ACE inhibitors.
8. Beta blockers are described as having a ‘negative inotropic’ effect. This means
they:
A. Increase the heart rate.
B. Increase electrical conduction speed.
C. Decrease the force of myocardial contraction.
D. Cause vasoconstriction of the peripheral vessels.
Answer: C
Rationale: Inotropic refers to the force of contraction; negative inotropic means the heart
contracts with less force, reducing cardiac workload.
