BIOD 351 Pharmacology - Module 4 Cardiovascular Exam 2026/2027
UPDATE
1. Which mechanism best describes how ACE inhibitors, such as Lisinopril, lower
blood pressure?
A. Blocking the binding of Angiotensin II to its receptors
B. Inhibiting the enzyme responsible for converting Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II
C. Directly dilating venous smooth muscle
D. Increasing the heart rate to improve cardiac output
Answer: B
Rationale: ACE inhibitors block the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme, which prevents the
conversion of Angiotensin I to the potent vasoconstrictor Angiotensin II.
2. A patient taking Enalapril develops a persistent, dry cough. What is the most
likely cause of this side effect?
A. Fluid overload in the lungs
B. Increased levels of bradykinin
C. Development of a viral respiratory infection
D. Direct irritation of the tracheal lining by the drug
Answer: B
Rationale: ACE inhibitors prevent the breakdown of bradykinin, which can accumulate in
the lungs and trigger a dry, non-productive cough.
,3. Which of the following drugs is classified as an Angiotensin II Receptor
Blocker (ARB)?
A. Metoprolol
B. Amlodipine
C. Losartan
D. Captopril
Answer: C
Rationale: Losartan belongs to the ARB class, which works by blocking the AT1 receptors
directly.
4. What is the primary site of action for Loop diuretics like Furosemide?
A. Ascending limb of the Loop of Henle
B. Distal convoluted tubule
C. Proximal convoluted tubule
D. Collecting duct
Answer: A
Rationale: Loop diuretics inhibit the Na+/K+/2Cl- symporter in the thick ascending limb of
the Loop of Henle.
5. Which electrolyte abnormality is a common concern with the use of Thiazide
diuretics?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: B
Rationale: Thiazides increase the excretion of potassium, often leading to hypokalemia.
, 6. Spironolactone is often used in heart failure because it is a:
A. Loop diuretic
B. Osmotic diuretic
C. Aldosterone antagonist
D. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor
Answer: C
Rationale: Spironolactone blocks aldosterone receptors, which helps prevent cardiac
remodeling and retains potassium.
7. Which medication is a non-selective Beta-blocker that should be used with
caution in patients with asthma?
A. Atenolol
B. Metoprolol
C. Propranolol
D. Bisoprolol
Answer: C
Rationale: Propranolol blocks both Beta-1 and Beta-2 receptors; blocking Beta-2 receptors
can cause bronchoconstriction.
8. Calcium channel blockers like Verapamil and Diltiazem are primarily used for:
A. Increasing heart rate
B. Rapidly increasing blood glucose
C. Treating iron-deficiency anemia
D. Rate control in atrial fibrillation
Answer: D
Rationale: Non-dihydropyridine CCBs like Verapamil and Diltiazem have significant effects
on the AV node and are used for heart rate control.
UPDATE
1. Which mechanism best describes how ACE inhibitors, such as Lisinopril, lower
blood pressure?
A. Blocking the binding of Angiotensin II to its receptors
B. Inhibiting the enzyme responsible for converting Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II
C. Directly dilating venous smooth muscle
D. Increasing the heart rate to improve cardiac output
Answer: B
Rationale: ACE inhibitors block the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme, which prevents the
conversion of Angiotensin I to the potent vasoconstrictor Angiotensin II.
2. A patient taking Enalapril develops a persistent, dry cough. What is the most
likely cause of this side effect?
A. Fluid overload in the lungs
B. Increased levels of bradykinin
C. Development of a viral respiratory infection
D. Direct irritation of the tracheal lining by the drug
Answer: B
Rationale: ACE inhibitors prevent the breakdown of bradykinin, which can accumulate in
the lungs and trigger a dry, non-productive cough.
,3. Which of the following drugs is classified as an Angiotensin II Receptor
Blocker (ARB)?
A. Metoprolol
B. Amlodipine
C. Losartan
D. Captopril
Answer: C
Rationale: Losartan belongs to the ARB class, which works by blocking the AT1 receptors
directly.
4. What is the primary site of action for Loop diuretics like Furosemide?
A. Ascending limb of the Loop of Henle
B. Distal convoluted tubule
C. Proximal convoluted tubule
D. Collecting duct
Answer: A
Rationale: Loop diuretics inhibit the Na+/K+/2Cl- symporter in the thick ascending limb of
the Loop of Henle.
5. Which electrolyte abnormality is a common concern with the use of Thiazide
diuretics?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: B
Rationale: Thiazides increase the excretion of potassium, often leading to hypokalemia.
, 6. Spironolactone is often used in heart failure because it is a:
A. Loop diuretic
B. Osmotic diuretic
C. Aldosterone antagonist
D. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor
Answer: C
Rationale: Spironolactone blocks aldosterone receptors, which helps prevent cardiac
remodeling and retains potassium.
7. Which medication is a non-selective Beta-blocker that should be used with
caution in patients with asthma?
A. Atenolol
B. Metoprolol
C. Propranolol
D. Bisoprolol
Answer: C
Rationale: Propranolol blocks both Beta-1 and Beta-2 receptors; blocking Beta-2 receptors
can cause bronchoconstriction.
8. Calcium channel blockers like Verapamil and Diltiazem are primarily used for:
A. Increasing heart rate
B. Rapidly increasing blood glucose
C. Treating iron-deficiency anemia
D. Rate control in atrial fibrillation
Answer: D
Rationale: Non-dihydropyridine CCBs like Verapamil and Diltiazem have significant effects
on the AV node and are used for heart rate control.
