NSG 229 - PHARMA QUIZ 3 (CARDIAC) EXAM QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS LATEST UPDATE
2026
Captopril — What is it used for? - Answers HTN, HF, post-MI, diabetic nephropathy
Captopril — How does it work? - Answers Blocks conversion of angiotensin I → II → vasodilation, ↓
aldosterone, ↓ BP
Captopril — Common SE/adverse? - Answers Dry cough, dizziness, fatigue, hyperkalemia, angioedema
Captopril — Nursing interventions? - Answers Monitor BP, HR, K+, renal function
Captopril — Patient teaching? - Answers Report swelling, avoid K+ supplements, change position
slowly, don't combine with ARB
Losartan — What is it used for? - Answers HTN, HF, diabetic nephropathy
Losartan — How does it work? - Answers Blocks angiotensin II receptors → prevents vasoconstriction
and aldosterone effects
Losartan — Common SE/adverse? - Answers Angioedema, dizziness, hypotension
Losartan — Nursing interventions? - Answers Monitor BP, K+, renal function
Losartan — Patient teaching? - Answers No dry cough, monitor BP, avoid K+ supplements
Nifedipine — What is it used for? - Answers HTN, angina
Nifedipine — How does it work? - Answers Blocks Ca2+ entry → vasodilation → ↓ BP
Nifedipine — Common SE/adverse? - Answers Reflex tachycardia, headache, flushing, edema
Nifedipine — Nursing interventions? - Answers Monitor BP, HR, edema
Nifedipine — Patient teaching? - Answers Report swelling, rise slowly, avoid grapefruit juice
Verapamil — What is it used for? - Answers SVT, Afib, Aflutter, HTN, angina
Verapamil — How does it work? - Answers Blocks Ca2+ channels → ↓ HR, ↓ contractility,
vasodilation
Verapamil — Common SE/adverse? - Answers Bradycardia, hypotension, edema, dizziness
Verapamil — Nursing interventions? - Answers Monitor BP, HR, ECG, edema
Verapamil — Patient teaching? - Answers Report slow pulse, dizziness, avoid grapefruit juice
Hydrochlorothiazide — What is it used for? - Answers HTN, HF, cirrhosis, renal failure
Hydrochlorothiazide — How does it work? - Answers Blocks Na+/Cl− reabsorption in distal tubule →
↑ urine output
Hydrochlorothiazide — Common SE/adverse? - Answers HypoNa, hypoK, dehydration, hyperglycemia,
hyperuricemia
Hydrochlorothiazide — Nursing interventions? - Answers Monitor CMP/BMP, BG, I&O
Hydrochlorothiazide — Patient teaching? - Answers Eat K+-rich foods, rise slowly, monitor BG, caution
in gout/DM
Doxazosin - Answers Blocks alpha-1 receptors → vasodilation
Doxazosin - Common SE/adverse - Answers Orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia
Doxazosin - Nursing interventions - Answers Monitor BP, HR, give at bedtime
Doxazosin - Patient teaching - Answers Take at bedtime, rise slowly, report dizziness or palpitations
Clonidine - Answers Decreases sympathetic outflow → ↓ BP
Clonidine - Common SE/adverse - Answers Drowsiness, dizziness, rebound HTN if stopped abruptly
Clonidine - Nursing interventions - Answers Monitor BP, HR, caution with sedation
Clonidine - Patient teaching - Answers Do not stop suddenly, avoid alcohol, may cause drowsiness
Nitroglycerin - Answers Converts to nitric oxide → vasodilation → ↓ preload/afterload
Nitroglycerin - Common SE/adverse - Answers Headache, hypotension, tachycardia
Nitroglycerin - Nursing interventions - Answers Monitor BP/HR, use gloves for ointment, check pain
relief
Nitroglycerin - Patient teaching - Answers 1 tab SL q5min x3 → call 911, avoid ED meds, store properly
Hydralazine - Answers Direct vasodilation of arterioles → ↓ afterload
Hydralazine - Common SE/adverse - Answers Headache, dizziness, reflex tachycardia, edema
Hydralazine - Nursing interventions - Answers Monitor HR, BP, watch for edema
Hydralazine - Patient teaching - Answers Report fast HR or swelling, rise slowly
Digoxin - Answers Increases contractility and slows HR by vagal stimulation
Digoxin - Common SE/adverse - Answers N/V, anorexia, blurred/yellow vision, halos (toxicity)
Digoxin - Nursing interventions - Answers Monitor apical pulse (hold <60), K+, dig levels (0.5-2.0)
Digoxin - Patient teaching - Answers Take pulse daily, report vision changes, N/V, do not double dose
, Amiodarone - Answers Prolongs repolarization by blocking K+ channels
Amiodarone - Common SE/adverse - Answers Pulmonary fibrosis, thyroid/liver toxicity, bradycardia,
blue-gray skin
Amiodarone - Nursing interventions - Answers Monitor ECG, HR, LFTs, pulmonary function
Amiodarone - Patient teaching - Answers Report SOB, cough, jaundice, take same time daily
Dobutamine - Answers Stimulates beta-1 receptors → ↑ contractility, HR, CO
Dobutamine - Common SE/adverse - Answers Tachycardia, dysrhythmias, angina
Dobutamine - Nursing interventions - Answers Continuous ECG and BP monitoring
Dobutamine - Patient teaching - Answers Hospital IV use only, report chest pain or palpitations
Milrinone - Answers Phosphodiesterase inhibitor → ↑ contractility, vasodilation
Milrinone - Common SE/adverse - Answers Dysrhythmias, angina, hypotension
Milrinone - Nursing interventions - Answers Continuous ECG and BP monitoring
Milrinone - Patient teaching - Answers Used short-term IV, report chest pain or irregular heartbeat
Atorvastatin - Answers Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase → ↓ cholesterol synthesis
Atorvastatin - Common SE/adverse - Answers Myopathy, hepatotoxicity
Atorvastatin - Nursing interventions - Answers Monitor LFTs, CK levels
Atorvastatin - Patient teaching - Answers Report muscle pain, take at night, avoid alcohol/grapefruit
juice
Gemfibrozil - Answers Increases lipolysis and HDL production
Gemfibrozil - Common SE/adverse - Answers GI upset, gallstones
Gemfibrozil - Nursing interventions - Answers Monitor for gallbladder symptoms, LFTs
Gemfibrozil - Patient teaching - Answers Take before meals, report RUQ pain, nausea
ACE Inhibitors - Answers Captopril, lisinopril, enalapril, ramipril, quinapril; used for HTN, HF, post-MI,
diabetic nephropathy; blocks conversion of angiotensin I to II → vasodilation, ↓ BP; side effects
include dry cough, hyperkalemia, dizziness, fatigue; monitor BP, HR, K+, renal function.
ARBs - Answers Losartan, valsartan, irbesartan; used for HTN, HF, diabetic nephropathy; blocks
angiotensin II receptor → prevents vasoconstriction; side effects include angioedema, hypotension.
Calcium Channel Blockers - Answers Nifedipine, amlodipine, verapamil; used for HTN, angina, SVT,
Afib, Aflutter; blocks Ca2+ entry → vasodilation, ↓ HR; side effects include reflex tachycardia, edema,
dizziness, headache.
Thiazide Diuretics - Answers HCTZ; used for HTN, HF, renal disease; blocks Na+/Cl− reabsorption in
distal tubule; side effects include hypoNa, hypoK, dehydration, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia.
Loop Diuretics - Answers Furosemide, bumetanide; used for HF, edema, HTN; blocks Na+/Cl− in loop
of Henle; side effects include electrolyte imbalance, ototoxicity, dehydration.
K-Sparing Diuretics - Answers Spironolactone; used for HTN, HF, cirrhosis; aldosterone blocker →
keeps K+, excretes Na+; side effects include hyperK, gynecomastia.
Beta Blockers - Answers Metoprolol, atenolol; used for HTN, HF, angina, dysrhythmias; blocks beta-1
→ ↓ HR, ↓ contractility; side effects include bradycardia, HF, rebound tachycardia.
Alpha/Beta Blocker - Answers Carvedilol; used for HTN, HF, post-MI; side effects include dizziness,
bradycardia, orthostatic hypotension.
Alpha-1 Blocker - Answers Doxazosin; used for HTN, BPH; causes vasodilation; side effects include
orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia.
Central Alpha-2 Agonist - Answers Clonidine; used for HTN, ADHD; side effects include drowsiness,
rebound HTN if stopped abruptly.
Nitrates - Answers Nitroglycerin, isosorbide; used for angina; causes vasodilation → ↓
preload/afterload; side effects include headache, hypotension, tachycardia.
Direct Vasodilator - Answers Hydralazine; used for severe HTN, crisis; side effects include headache,
reflex tachycardia.
Cardiac Glycoside - Answers Digoxin; used for HF, Afib; ↑ contractility, ↓ HR; side effects include
toxicity—N/V, yellow vision, halos.
Amiodarone - Answers Used for Vtach, Vfib, Afib; side effects include pulmonary fibrosis, bradycardia,
liver/thyroid toxicity, blue-gray skin.
Inotropes - Answers Dobutamine, milrinone; used for short-term HF IV support; side effects include
dysrhythmias, tachycardia, hypotension.
Statins - Answers Atorvastatin; used to ↓ LDL/TG, ↑ HDL; side effects include myopathy, liver
toxicity.
Fibrates - Answers Gemfibrozil; used for high triglycerides; side effects include GI upset, gallstones.
2026
Captopril — What is it used for? - Answers HTN, HF, post-MI, diabetic nephropathy
Captopril — How does it work? - Answers Blocks conversion of angiotensin I → II → vasodilation, ↓
aldosterone, ↓ BP
Captopril — Common SE/adverse? - Answers Dry cough, dizziness, fatigue, hyperkalemia, angioedema
Captopril — Nursing interventions? - Answers Monitor BP, HR, K+, renal function
Captopril — Patient teaching? - Answers Report swelling, avoid K+ supplements, change position
slowly, don't combine with ARB
Losartan — What is it used for? - Answers HTN, HF, diabetic nephropathy
Losartan — How does it work? - Answers Blocks angiotensin II receptors → prevents vasoconstriction
and aldosterone effects
Losartan — Common SE/adverse? - Answers Angioedema, dizziness, hypotension
Losartan — Nursing interventions? - Answers Monitor BP, K+, renal function
Losartan — Patient teaching? - Answers No dry cough, monitor BP, avoid K+ supplements
Nifedipine — What is it used for? - Answers HTN, angina
Nifedipine — How does it work? - Answers Blocks Ca2+ entry → vasodilation → ↓ BP
Nifedipine — Common SE/adverse? - Answers Reflex tachycardia, headache, flushing, edema
Nifedipine — Nursing interventions? - Answers Monitor BP, HR, edema
Nifedipine — Patient teaching? - Answers Report swelling, rise slowly, avoid grapefruit juice
Verapamil — What is it used for? - Answers SVT, Afib, Aflutter, HTN, angina
Verapamil — How does it work? - Answers Blocks Ca2+ channels → ↓ HR, ↓ contractility,
vasodilation
Verapamil — Common SE/adverse? - Answers Bradycardia, hypotension, edema, dizziness
Verapamil — Nursing interventions? - Answers Monitor BP, HR, ECG, edema
Verapamil — Patient teaching? - Answers Report slow pulse, dizziness, avoid grapefruit juice
Hydrochlorothiazide — What is it used for? - Answers HTN, HF, cirrhosis, renal failure
Hydrochlorothiazide — How does it work? - Answers Blocks Na+/Cl− reabsorption in distal tubule →
↑ urine output
Hydrochlorothiazide — Common SE/adverse? - Answers HypoNa, hypoK, dehydration, hyperglycemia,
hyperuricemia
Hydrochlorothiazide — Nursing interventions? - Answers Monitor CMP/BMP, BG, I&O
Hydrochlorothiazide — Patient teaching? - Answers Eat K+-rich foods, rise slowly, monitor BG, caution
in gout/DM
Doxazosin - Answers Blocks alpha-1 receptors → vasodilation
Doxazosin - Common SE/adverse - Answers Orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia
Doxazosin - Nursing interventions - Answers Monitor BP, HR, give at bedtime
Doxazosin - Patient teaching - Answers Take at bedtime, rise slowly, report dizziness or palpitations
Clonidine - Answers Decreases sympathetic outflow → ↓ BP
Clonidine - Common SE/adverse - Answers Drowsiness, dizziness, rebound HTN if stopped abruptly
Clonidine - Nursing interventions - Answers Monitor BP, HR, caution with sedation
Clonidine - Patient teaching - Answers Do not stop suddenly, avoid alcohol, may cause drowsiness
Nitroglycerin - Answers Converts to nitric oxide → vasodilation → ↓ preload/afterload
Nitroglycerin - Common SE/adverse - Answers Headache, hypotension, tachycardia
Nitroglycerin - Nursing interventions - Answers Monitor BP/HR, use gloves for ointment, check pain
relief
Nitroglycerin - Patient teaching - Answers 1 tab SL q5min x3 → call 911, avoid ED meds, store properly
Hydralazine - Answers Direct vasodilation of arterioles → ↓ afterload
Hydralazine - Common SE/adverse - Answers Headache, dizziness, reflex tachycardia, edema
Hydralazine - Nursing interventions - Answers Monitor HR, BP, watch for edema
Hydralazine - Patient teaching - Answers Report fast HR or swelling, rise slowly
Digoxin - Answers Increases contractility and slows HR by vagal stimulation
Digoxin - Common SE/adverse - Answers N/V, anorexia, blurred/yellow vision, halos (toxicity)
Digoxin - Nursing interventions - Answers Monitor apical pulse (hold <60), K+, dig levels (0.5-2.0)
Digoxin - Patient teaching - Answers Take pulse daily, report vision changes, N/V, do not double dose
, Amiodarone - Answers Prolongs repolarization by blocking K+ channels
Amiodarone - Common SE/adverse - Answers Pulmonary fibrosis, thyroid/liver toxicity, bradycardia,
blue-gray skin
Amiodarone - Nursing interventions - Answers Monitor ECG, HR, LFTs, pulmonary function
Amiodarone - Patient teaching - Answers Report SOB, cough, jaundice, take same time daily
Dobutamine - Answers Stimulates beta-1 receptors → ↑ contractility, HR, CO
Dobutamine - Common SE/adverse - Answers Tachycardia, dysrhythmias, angina
Dobutamine - Nursing interventions - Answers Continuous ECG and BP monitoring
Dobutamine - Patient teaching - Answers Hospital IV use only, report chest pain or palpitations
Milrinone - Answers Phosphodiesterase inhibitor → ↑ contractility, vasodilation
Milrinone - Common SE/adverse - Answers Dysrhythmias, angina, hypotension
Milrinone - Nursing interventions - Answers Continuous ECG and BP monitoring
Milrinone - Patient teaching - Answers Used short-term IV, report chest pain or irregular heartbeat
Atorvastatin - Answers Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase → ↓ cholesterol synthesis
Atorvastatin - Common SE/adverse - Answers Myopathy, hepatotoxicity
Atorvastatin - Nursing interventions - Answers Monitor LFTs, CK levels
Atorvastatin - Patient teaching - Answers Report muscle pain, take at night, avoid alcohol/grapefruit
juice
Gemfibrozil - Answers Increases lipolysis and HDL production
Gemfibrozil - Common SE/adverse - Answers GI upset, gallstones
Gemfibrozil - Nursing interventions - Answers Monitor for gallbladder symptoms, LFTs
Gemfibrozil - Patient teaching - Answers Take before meals, report RUQ pain, nausea
ACE Inhibitors - Answers Captopril, lisinopril, enalapril, ramipril, quinapril; used for HTN, HF, post-MI,
diabetic nephropathy; blocks conversion of angiotensin I to II → vasodilation, ↓ BP; side effects
include dry cough, hyperkalemia, dizziness, fatigue; monitor BP, HR, K+, renal function.
ARBs - Answers Losartan, valsartan, irbesartan; used for HTN, HF, diabetic nephropathy; blocks
angiotensin II receptor → prevents vasoconstriction; side effects include angioedema, hypotension.
Calcium Channel Blockers - Answers Nifedipine, amlodipine, verapamil; used for HTN, angina, SVT,
Afib, Aflutter; blocks Ca2+ entry → vasodilation, ↓ HR; side effects include reflex tachycardia, edema,
dizziness, headache.
Thiazide Diuretics - Answers HCTZ; used for HTN, HF, renal disease; blocks Na+/Cl− reabsorption in
distal tubule; side effects include hypoNa, hypoK, dehydration, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia.
Loop Diuretics - Answers Furosemide, bumetanide; used for HF, edema, HTN; blocks Na+/Cl− in loop
of Henle; side effects include electrolyte imbalance, ototoxicity, dehydration.
K-Sparing Diuretics - Answers Spironolactone; used for HTN, HF, cirrhosis; aldosterone blocker →
keeps K+, excretes Na+; side effects include hyperK, gynecomastia.
Beta Blockers - Answers Metoprolol, atenolol; used for HTN, HF, angina, dysrhythmias; blocks beta-1
→ ↓ HR, ↓ contractility; side effects include bradycardia, HF, rebound tachycardia.
Alpha/Beta Blocker - Answers Carvedilol; used for HTN, HF, post-MI; side effects include dizziness,
bradycardia, orthostatic hypotension.
Alpha-1 Blocker - Answers Doxazosin; used for HTN, BPH; causes vasodilation; side effects include
orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia.
Central Alpha-2 Agonist - Answers Clonidine; used for HTN, ADHD; side effects include drowsiness,
rebound HTN if stopped abruptly.
Nitrates - Answers Nitroglycerin, isosorbide; used for angina; causes vasodilation → ↓
preload/afterload; side effects include headache, hypotension, tachycardia.
Direct Vasodilator - Answers Hydralazine; used for severe HTN, crisis; side effects include headache,
reflex tachycardia.
Cardiac Glycoside - Answers Digoxin; used for HF, Afib; ↑ contractility, ↓ HR; side effects include
toxicity—N/V, yellow vision, halos.
Amiodarone - Answers Used for Vtach, Vfib, Afib; side effects include pulmonary fibrosis, bradycardia,
liver/thyroid toxicity, blue-gray skin.
Inotropes - Answers Dobutamine, milrinone; used for short-term HF IV support; side effects include
dysrhythmias, tachycardia, hypotension.
Statins - Answers Atorvastatin; used to ↓ LDL/TG, ↑ HDL; side effects include myopathy, liver
toxicity.
Fibrates - Answers Gemfibrozil; used for high triglycerides; side effects include GI upset, gallstones.
