Pharmacology Examination: Antianginal Agents, Nitrates, Beta-Adrenergic
Blockers, Calcium Channel Blockers, Piperazine Acetamide, Heart Failure
Pathophysiology, Cardiac Glycosides, Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors,
Hyperpolarization-Activated Channel Blockers, Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin
Inhibitors, Arrhythmia Classification, Sodium Channel Blockers, Potassium
Channel Blockers, Calcium Channel Modulators, Sympathetic Nervous System
Modulation, Myocardial Oxygen Demand, Vasodilation, Cardiac Output,
Inotropic Effects, Chronotropic Effects, Dromotropic Effects, Pharmacokinetics,
Pharmacodynamics, Contraindications, Adverse Effects, Drug Interactions,
Electrolyte Disturbances, Cardiac Conduction, Action Potential Phases,
Supraventricular Tachycardia, Ventricular Tachycardia, Atrial Fibrillation,
Hemodynamic Regulation Exam Questions Verified and Provided with Complete
A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
How do antianginal agents work?
Improve blood delivery to the heart muscle in one of two ways:
- By dilating blood vessels.
- By decreasing the work of the heart.
What are three examples of nitrates?
Isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil)
Isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket)
Nitroglycerin (Nitromist, Nitrostat, and others)
How do nitrates work?
,Act directly on smooth muscle to cause relaxation and depress muscle tone.
Relax and dilate veins, arteries, and capillaries.
Main effect seems to be related to drop in blood pressure.
When would we use nitrates?
To prevent and treat attacks of angina pectoris.
Pharmacokinetics of Nitrates
Rapidly absorbed
Metabolized in the liver; excreted in the urine
Cross placenta and enter human milk
What are contraindications for nitrates?
Allergy
Severe anemia
Head trauma or cerebral hemorrhage
What are precautions for nitrates?
Hepatic or renal disease
Pregnancy and lactation
Hypotension, hypovolemia, and conditions that limit cardiac output
What are some adverse effects of nitrates?
Related to the vasodilatation, decrease in blood flow
, CNS effects
GI effects
CV effects
Skin-related effects
What drugs interact with nitrates?
Ergot derivatives
Heparin
Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors
Other drugs that can lower BP
The patient asks the nurse to explain the type of angina they are experiencing. They are experiencing
angina at rest, often at the same time each day. What type of angina is the patient most likely
experiencing?
A. Unstable
B. Prinzmetal
C. Stable
D. Ischemic
B. Prinzmetal
What are 4 examples of beta-adrenergic blockers?
Blockers, Calcium Channel Blockers, Piperazine Acetamide, Heart Failure
Pathophysiology, Cardiac Glycosides, Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors,
Hyperpolarization-Activated Channel Blockers, Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin
Inhibitors, Arrhythmia Classification, Sodium Channel Blockers, Potassium
Channel Blockers, Calcium Channel Modulators, Sympathetic Nervous System
Modulation, Myocardial Oxygen Demand, Vasodilation, Cardiac Output,
Inotropic Effects, Chronotropic Effects, Dromotropic Effects, Pharmacokinetics,
Pharmacodynamics, Contraindications, Adverse Effects, Drug Interactions,
Electrolyte Disturbances, Cardiac Conduction, Action Potential Phases,
Supraventricular Tachycardia, Ventricular Tachycardia, Atrial Fibrillation,
Hemodynamic Regulation Exam Questions Verified and Provided with Complete
A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
How do antianginal agents work?
Improve blood delivery to the heart muscle in one of two ways:
- By dilating blood vessels.
- By decreasing the work of the heart.
What are three examples of nitrates?
Isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil)
Isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket)
Nitroglycerin (Nitromist, Nitrostat, and others)
How do nitrates work?
,Act directly on smooth muscle to cause relaxation and depress muscle tone.
Relax and dilate veins, arteries, and capillaries.
Main effect seems to be related to drop in blood pressure.
When would we use nitrates?
To prevent and treat attacks of angina pectoris.
Pharmacokinetics of Nitrates
Rapidly absorbed
Metabolized in the liver; excreted in the urine
Cross placenta and enter human milk
What are contraindications for nitrates?
Allergy
Severe anemia
Head trauma or cerebral hemorrhage
What are precautions for nitrates?
Hepatic or renal disease
Pregnancy and lactation
Hypotension, hypovolemia, and conditions that limit cardiac output
What are some adverse effects of nitrates?
Related to the vasodilatation, decrease in blood flow
, CNS effects
GI effects
CV effects
Skin-related effects
What drugs interact with nitrates?
Ergot derivatives
Heparin
Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors
Other drugs that can lower BP
The patient asks the nurse to explain the type of angina they are experiencing. They are experiencing
angina at rest, often at the same time each day. What type of angina is the patient most likely
experiencing?
A. Unstable
B. Prinzmetal
C. Stable
D. Ischemic
B. Prinzmetal
What are 4 examples of beta-adrenergic blockers?
