NSG 318 EXAM 3 CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICATIONS
2026/2027 | COMPLETE NURSING STUDY GUIDE |
PRACTICE QUESTIONS, CORRECT ANSWERS
1. Describe how Cilostazol's mechanism of action contributes to its therapeutic
use in cardiovascular diseases.
Cilostazol works by inhibiting platelet aggregation and promoting
vasodilation, which improves blood flow and reduces the risk of
clots.
Cilostazol enhances the effects of anticoagulants, making them more
effective.
Cilostazol reduces blood pressure by blocking calcium channels,
which helps in hypertension management.
Cilostazol increases heart rate and contractility, leading to improved
cardiac output.
2. A patient receiving Digoxin has a heart rate of 50 beats per minute. What
should the nurse do next?
Hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider.
Increase the dosage of Digoxin.
Document the heart rate and continue with the administration.
Administer the Digoxin as prescribed.
3. Describe how Atenolol affects heart function and why it may lead to side
effects such as erectile dysfunction.
Atenolol is a beta-blocker that decreases heart rate and
contractility, which can lead to reduced blood flow and erectile
dysfunction.
Atenolol primarily affects blood clotting mechanisms.
, Atenolol has no effect on heart function or erectile dysfunction.
Atenolol increases heart rate and blood flow, improving erectile
function.
4. Describe how Thiazide diuretics affect blood pressure regulation.
Thiazide diuretics directly stimulate heart contractions.
Thiazide diuretics lower blood pressure by reducing blood volume
through the excretion of sodium and water.
Thiazide diuretics have no effect on blood pressure.
Thiazide diuretics increase blood pressure by retaining sodium.
5. Which vitamin K-rich foods should be avoided when taking Warfarin?
Green leafy vegetables
Dairy products
Citrus fruits
Whole grains
6. The nurse is assessing a patient who was recently started on Cilostazol
(Platal). How will the nurse know that the medication is effective?
Clear lung sounds
Patient's INR will increase to 3
Improved exercise tolerance and improved peripheral pulses
Increased cramping when they walk
7. Describe how Diltiazem's mechanism of action can affect a patient's heart
function.
, Diltiazem increases blood volume, which can lead to hypertension.
Diltiazem has no effect on heart function but primarily affects blood
clotting.
Diltiazem increases the heart's contractility and accelerates the heart
rate, leading to higher blood pressure.
Diltiazem decreases the force of contraction and slows the heart
rate, which can help manage hypertension and prevent heart block.
8. What herbal medicine should not be taken with Digoxin?
ginger root
valerian
saint johns wort
ginseng
9. If a patient with a history of angina is prescribed Nitroglycerin, what nursing
consideration should be prioritized during administration?
Monitor the patient's blood pressure closely.
Encourage the patient to increase physical activity.
Administer the medication with food to enhance absorption.
Educate the patient to take the medication only when experiencing
chest pain.
10. A patient is prescribed a thiazide diuretic for hypertension. What nursing
consideration should be prioritized when monitoring this patient?
Check for signs of dehydration only.
Evaluate liver function tests regularly.
, Monitor electrolyte levels, particularly potassium.
Assess for signs of hyperglycemia.
11. The nurse is caring for a client with bilateral leg swelling who reports taking
40 mg furosemide daily. The nurse notes +4 pitting indents over the client's
tibia. The provider orders IV furosemide. What is the priority nursing
intervention?
Obtain vital signs
Check the client's BMP
Wrap the client's legs in ace wrap and elevate them
Place the client on continuous pulse oximetry
12. The nurse is providing teaching to a patient who is prescribed rosuvastatin.
The nurse should plan to include which statement in the patient's teaching
plan?
You need to report unexplained leg pain or weakness immediately
This medication can turn your urine pink
Increase fluids since this medication is nephrotoxic
You can add herbal medications if you believe they will help
13. When teaching a patient about the drug atenolol, what information should
the nurse include in the teaching plan?
"Use a hot tub daily to help vasodilate so that the medication will
work more effectively."
"If you have gastric upset, take the medication with an antacid."
"Do not stop the medication abruptly."
"Stop the medication if you feel tired."
2026/2027 | COMPLETE NURSING STUDY GUIDE |
PRACTICE QUESTIONS, CORRECT ANSWERS
1. Describe how Cilostazol's mechanism of action contributes to its therapeutic
use in cardiovascular diseases.
Cilostazol works by inhibiting platelet aggregation and promoting
vasodilation, which improves blood flow and reduces the risk of
clots.
Cilostazol enhances the effects of anticoagulants, making them more
effective.
Cilostazol reduces blood pressure by blocking calcium channels,
which helps in hypertension management.
Cilostazol increases heart rate and contractility, leading to improved
cardiac output.
2. A patient receiving Digoxin has a heart rate of 50 beats per minute. What
should the nurse do next?
Hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider.
Increase the dosage of Digoxin.
Document the heart rate and continue with the administration.
Administer the Digoxin as prescribed.
3. Describe how Atenolol affects heart function and why it may lead to side
effects such as erectile dysfunction.
Atenolol is a beta-blocker that decreases heart rate and
contractility, which can lead to reduced blood flow and erectile
dysfunction.
Atenolol primarily affects blood clotting mechanisms.
, Atenolol has no effect on heart function or erectile dysfunction.
Atenolol increases heart rate and blood flow, improving erectile
function.
4. Describe how Thiazide diuretics affect blood pressure regulation.
Thiazide diuretics directly stimulate heart contractions.
Thiazide diuretics lower blood pressure by reducing blood volume
through the excretion of sodium and water.
Thiazide diuretics have no effect on blood pressure.
Thiazide diuretics increase blood pressure by retaining sodium.
5. Which vitamin K-rich foods should be avoided when taking Warfarin?
Green leafy vegetables
Dairy products
Citrus fruits
Whole grains
6. The nurse is assessing a patient who was recently started on Cilostazol
(Platal). How will the nurse know that the medication is effective?
Clear lung sounds
Patient's INR will increase to 3
Improved exercise tolerance and improved peripheral pulses
Increased cramping when they walk
7. Describe how Diltiazem's mechanism of action can affect a patient's heart
function.
, Diltiazem increases blood volume, which can lead to hypertension.
Diltiazem has no effect on heart function but primarily affects blood
clotting.
Diltiazem increases the heart's contractility and accelerates the heart
rate, leading to higher blood pressure.
Diltiazem decreases the force of contraction and slows the heart
rate, which can help manage hypertension and prevent heart block.
8. What herbal medicine should not be taken with Digoxin?
ginger root
valerian
saint johns wort
ginseng
9. If a patient with a history of angina is prescribed Nitroglycerin, what nursing
consideration should be prioritized during administration?
Monitor the patient's blood pressure closely.
Encourage the patient to increase physical activity.
Administer the medication with food to enhance absorption.
Educate the patient to take the medication only when experiencing
chest pain.
10. A patient is prescribed a thiazide diuretic for hypertension. What nursing
consideration should be prioritized when monitoring this patient?
Check for signs of dehydration only.
Evaluate liver function tests regularly.
, Monitor electrolyte levels, particularly potassium.
Assess for signs of hyperglycemia.
11. The nurse is caring for a client with bilateral leg swelling who reports taking
40 mg furosemide daily. The nurse notes +4 pitting indents over the client's
tibia. The provider orders IV furosemide. What is the priority nursing
intervention?
Obtain vital signs
Check the client's BMP
Wrap the client's legs in ace wrap and elevate them
Place the client on continuous pulse oximetry
12. The nurse is providing teaching to a patient who is prescribed rosuvastatin.
The nurse should plan to include which statement in the patient's teaching
plan?
You need to report unexplained leg pain or weakness immediately
This medication can turn your urine pink
Increase fluids since this medication is nephrotoxic
You can add herbal medications if you believe they will help
13. When teaching a patient about the drug atenolol, what information should
the nurse include in the teaching plan?
"Use a hot tub daily to help vasodilate so that the medication will
work more effectively."
"If you have gastric upset, take the medication with an antacid."
"Do not stop the medication abruptly."
"Stop the medication if you feel tired."
