2nd Edition
Authors :
Linda Skidmore-Roth & Faith Richardson
NCLEX-Style Pharmacology MCQs
Topic: Cardiovascular Drugs (Hypertension
& Heart Failure)
Focus: Lisinopril, Losartan, Metoprolol,
Amlodipine
Source: Mosby’s Canadian Nursing Drug
Reference, 2nd Edition
,1.
A nurse is preparing to administer lisinopril. Which assessment
is the priority before giving the medication?
A. Respiratory rate
B. Blood pressure
C. Oxygen saturation
D. Temperature
Answer: B. Blood pressure
Rationale:
ACE inhibitors like lisinopril lower blood pressure; assessing BP
prevents hypotension. Other options are not priority for this
drug.
Citation: Mosby’s Canadian Nursing Drug Reference (Lisinopril –
ACE inhibitor)
2.
A client taking lisinopril reports a persistent dry cough. What is
the nurse’s best action?
A. Reassure the client this is expected and continue
B. Notify the provider for possible medication change
C. Administer cough suppressant
D. Hold the medication permanently
Answer: B. Notify the provider for possible medication change
,Rationale:
Dry cough is a common ACE inhibitor adverse effect and may
require switching to an ARB. Not harmful but often intolerable.
Citation: Mosby’s (Lisinopril – Adverse Effects)
3.
Which laboratory value is most important to monitor in a client
taking lisinopril?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Hemoglobin
Answer: B. Potassium
Rationale:
ACE inhibitors can cause hyperkalemia due to decreased
aldosterone.
Citation: Mosby’s (Lisinopril – Monitoring)
4.
A client is prescribed losartan. Which statement indicates
correct understanding?
A. “I may develop a dry cough.”
B. “This medication can increase potassium levels.”
, C. “I should take it only when my BP is high.”
D. “It slows my heart rate significantly.”
Answer: B. “This medication can increase potassium levels.”
Rationale:
ARBs like losartan may cause hyperkalemia. Dry cough is less
common than with ACE inhibitors.
Citation: Mosby’s (Losartan – Patient Teaching)
5.
Which condition is a contraindication for lisinopril?
A. Hypertension
B. Heart failure
C. Pregnancy
D. Diabetes
Answer: C. Pregnancy
Rationale:
ACE inhibitors are teratogenic and contraindicated in pregnancy.
Citation: Mosby’s (Lisinopril – Contraindications)
6.
A nurse administers metoprolol. Which finding requires
immediate action?
A. BP 128/78 mmHg
B. HR 52 bpm