D441 Pharmacology: Cardiovascular Drugs (ACE Inhibitors, Beta
Blockers, Diuretics) Practice Pack 2026 |WGU
1. Which mechanism of action best describes how ACE inhibitors, such as
lisinopril, lower blood pressure?
A. Antagonizing beta-1 receptors in the myocardium
B. Blocking the conversion of Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II
C. Inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium in the distal tubule
D. Directly relaxing vascular smooth muscle
Answer: B
Rationale: ACE inhibitors prevent the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a
potent vasoconstrictor, thereby reducing peripheral resistance and blood pressure.
2. A patient taking captopril complains of a persistent, dry, non-productive
cough. What is the most likely cause of this side effect?
A. Fluid overload in the lungs
B. A secondary bacterial infection
C. Accumulation of bradykinin
D. Bronchospasm caused by beta-blockade
Answer: C
Rationale: ACE inhibitors prevent the breakdown of bradykinin in the lungs, which can
lead to the characteristic dry cough associated with this drug class.
,3. Which electrolyte imbalance should a nurse monitor for in a patient receiving
an ACE inhibitor?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypernatremia
Answer: C
Rationale: ACE inhibitors reduce aldosterone secretion, which can lead to potassium
retention, putting the patient at risk for hyperkalemia.
4. A patient is prescribed propranolol for hypertension. Which of the following
conditions in the patient’s history would be a contraindication for this drug?
A. Tachycardia
B. Glaucoma
C. Hypothyroidism
D. Asthma
Answer: D
Rationale: Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that can block beta-2 receptors in
the lungs, leading to bronchoconstriction, which is dangerous for patients with asthma.
5. Which of the following is a ‘cardioselective’ beta-blocker?
A. Propranolol
B. Nadolol
C. Metoprolol
D. Sotalol
Answer: C
Rationale: Metoprolol primarily blocks beta-1 receptors found in the heart, making it
cardioselective compared to non-selective drugs like propranolol.
, 6. A nurse is teaching a patient about metoprolol. What is a critical instruction
regarding the discontinuation of this medication?
A. Stop the medication immediately if you feel dizzy
B. Increase sodium intake if you feel fatigued
C. Only take the medication when your pulse is above 100
D. Do not stop the medication abruptly due to risk of rebound hypertension
Answer: D
Rationale: Abrupt withdrawal of beta-blockers can cause rebound hypertension,
tachycardia, and even myocardial infarction.
7. Loop diuretics like furosemide exert their primary effect in which part of the
nephron?
A. Ascending limb of the Loop of Henle
B. Descending limb of the Loop of Henle
C. Proximal convoluted tubule
D. Collecting duct
Answer: A
Rationale: Loop diuretics inhibit the sodium-potassium-chloride symporter in the thick
ascending limb of the Loop of Henle.
8. Which medication is a potassium-sparing diuretic?
A. Hydrochlorothiazide
B. Torsemide
C. Bumetanide
D. Spironolactone
Answer: D
Rationale: Spironolactone is an aldosterone antagonist that promotes sodium excretion
while retaining potassium.
Blockers, Diuretics) Practice Pack 2026 |WGU
1. Which mechanism of action best describes how ACE inhibitors, such as
lisinopril, lower blood pressure?
A. Antagonizing beta-1 receptors in the myocardium
B. Blocking the conversion of Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II
C. Inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium in the distal tubule
D. Directly relaxing vascular smooth muscle
Answer: B
Rationale: ACE inhibitors prevent the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a
potent vasoconstrictor, thereby reducing peripheral resistance and blood pressure.
2. A patient taking captopril complains of a persistent, dry, non-productive
cough. What is the most likely cause of this side effect?
A. Fluid overload in the lungs
B. A secondary bacterial infection
C. Accumulation of bradykinin
D. Bronchospasm caused by beta-blockade
Answer: C
Rationale: ACE inhibitors prevent the breakdown of bradykinin in the lungs, which can
lead to the characteristic dry cough associated with this drug class.
,3. Which electrolyte imbalance should a nurse monitor for in a patient receiving
an ACE inhibitor?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypernatremia
Answer: C
Rationale: ACE inhibitors reduce aldosterone secretion, which can lead to potassium
retention, putting the patient at risk for hyperkalemia.
4. A patient is prescribed propranolol for hypertension. Which of the following
conditions in the patient’s history would be a contraindication for this drug?
A. Tachycardia
B. Glaucoma
C. Hypothyroidism
D. Asthma
Answer: D
Rationale: Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that can block beta-2 receptors in
the lungs, leading to bronchoconstriction, which is dangerous for patients with asthma.
5. Which of the following is a ‘cardioselective’ beta-blocker?
A. Propranolol
B. Nadolol
C. Metoprolol
D. Sotalol
Answer: C
Rationale: Metoprolol primarily blocks beta-1 receptors found in the heart, making it
cardioselective compared to non-selective drugs like propranolol.
, 6. A nurse is teaching a patient about metoprolol. What is a critical instruction
regarding the discontinuation of this medication?
A. Stop the medication immediately if you feel dizzy
B. Increase sodium intake if you feel fatigued
C. Only take the medication when your pulse is above 100
D. Do not stop the medication abruptly due to risk of rebound hypertension
Answer: D
Rationale: Abrupt withdrawal of beta-blockers can cause rebound hypertension,
tachycardia, and even myocardial infarction.
7. Loop diuretics like furosemide exert their primary effect in which part of the
nephron?
A. Ascending limb of the Loop of Henle
B. Descending limb of the Loop of Henle
C. Proximal convoluted tubule
D. Collecting duct
Answer: A
Rationale: Loop diuretics inhibit the sodium-potassium-chloride symporter in the thick
ascending limb of the Loop of Henle.
8. Which medication is a potassium-sparing diuretic?
A. Hydrochlorothiazide
B. Torsemide
C. Bumetanide
D. Spironolactone
Answer: D
Rationale: Spironolactone is an aldosterone antagonist that promotes sodium excretion
while retaining potassium.
