Cardiovascular Pharmacology USMLE exam with
complete answers.
The nurse knows that diuretics mostly affect which function of the kidneys?
A. Cleansing and maintenance of extracellular fluid
volume
B. Maintenance of acid-base balance
C. Excretion of metabolic waste
D. Elimination of foreign substances - Answer A
The nurse plans to closely monitor for which clinical manifestation after
administering furosemide [Lasix]?
A. Decreased pulse
B. Decreased temperature
C. Decreased blood pressure
D. Decreased respiratory rate - Answer C
The nurse caring for a patient taking furosemide [Lasix] is reviewing the
patient's most recent laboratory results, which are: sodium, 136 mEq/L;
potassium, 3.2 mEq/L; chloride, 100 mEq/L; blood urea nitrogen, 15 mg/dL.
What is the nurse's best action?
A. Administer Lasix as ordered.
B. Place the patient on a cardiac monitor.
C. Begin a 24-hour urine collection.
D. Hold the Lasix and notify the physician. - Answer D
,The nurse should monitor for which adverse effect after administering
hydrochlorothiazide [HydroDIURIL] and digoxin [Lanoxin] to a patient?
A. Digoxin toxicity
B. Decreased diuretic effect
C. Dehydration
D. Heart failure - Answer A
The nurse is caring for a patient with heart failure who needs a diuretic.
Which agent is likely to be chosen, because it has been shown to greatly
reduce mortality in patients with heart failure?
A. Furosemide [Lasix]
B. Hydrochlorothiazide [HydroDIURIL]
C. Spironolactone [Aldactone]
D. Mannitol [Osmitrol] - Answer C
The nurse is teaching a patient who has a new prescription for
spironolactone [Aldactone]. Which statement by the patient indicates that
the teaching was effective?
A. "I will use salt substitutes to lower my sodium intake." B. "I will increase
my intake of foods that are high in potassium."
C. "I will call my doctor if I begin having menstrual irregularities."
D. "I will take this medication at bedtime each evening." - Answer C
,The healthcare provider orders furosemide [Lasix] 20 mg IV twice daily.
The medication available is furosemide [Lasix] 10 mg/mL. How many mL
will the nurse administer with each dose?
A. 0.5 mL
B. 1 mL
C. 2 mL
D. 4 mL - Answer C
The nurse is reviewing the home medication list with the patient. The nurse
recognizes that hydrochlorothiazide is used primarily for which condition?
A. Hypertension
B. Edema
C. Diabetes insipidus
D. Protection against postmenopausal osteoporosis - Answer A
The healthcare provider orders mannitol 72 gm infusion over 24 hours. The
nurse plans to set the infusion pump for how many grams per hour?
A. 1 gm
B. 2 gm
C. 3 gm
D. 4 gm - Answer C
Which of the following statements about mannitol [Osmitrol] are correct?
(Select all that apply.)
, A. Mannitol cannot be given orally.
B. Mannitol can cause edema.
C. Mannitol can cause renal failure.
D. Diuresis begins in 30 to 60 minutes after administration.
E. Mannitol is a loop diuretic. - Answer A B D
Which hemodynamic system serves as a reservoir for circulating blood?
A. Heart
B. Lungs
C. Arteries
D. Veins - Answer D
Complete the equation: Cardiac output = Volume of blood ejected at each
heartbeat × ____.
A. Stroke volume
B. Preload
C. Afterload
D. Heart rate - Answer D
Which physiologic mechanism helps to ensure venous return despite low
pressure in the venules?
A. Positive pressure in the right atrium
complete answers.
The nurse knows that diuretics mostly affect which function of the kidneys?
A. Cleansing and maintenance of extracellular fluid
volume
B. Maintenance of acid-base balance
C. Excretion of metabolic waste
D. Elimination of foreign substances - Answer A
The nurse plans to closely monitor for which clinical manifestation after
administering furosemide [Lasix]?
A. Decreased pulse
B. Decreased temperature
C. Decreased blood pressure
D. Decreased respiratory rate - Answer C
The nurse caring for a patient taking furosemide [Lasix] is reviewing the
patient's most recent laboratory results, which are: sodium, 136 mEq/L;
potassium, 3.2 mEq/L; chloride, 100 mEq/L; blood urea nitrogen, 15 mg/dL.
What is the nurse's best action?
A. Administer Lasix as ordered.
B. Place the patient on a cardiac monitor.
C. Begin a 24-hour urine collection.
D. Hold the Lasix and notify the physician. - Answer D
,The nurse should monitor for which adverse effect after administering
hydrochlorothiazide [HydroDIURIL] and digoxin [Lanoxin] to a patient?
A. Digoxin toxicity
B. Decreased diuretic effect
C. Dehydration
D. Heart failure - Answer A
The nurse is caring for a patient with heart failure who needs a diuretic.
Which agent is likely to be chosen, because it has been shown to greatly
reduce mortality in patients with heart failure?
A. Furosemide [Lasix]
B. Hydrochlorothiazide [HydroDIURIL]
C. Spironolactone [Aldactone]
D. Mannitol [Osmitrol] - Answer C
The nurse is teaching a patient who has a new prescription for
spironolactone [Aldactone]. Which statement by the patient indicates that
the teaching was effective?
A. "I will use salt substitutes to lower my sodium intake." B. "I will increase
my intake of foods that are high in potassium."
C. "I will call my doctor if I begin having menstrual irregularities."
D. "I will take this medication at bedtime each evening." - Answer C
,The healthcare provider orders furosemide [Lasix] 20 mg IV twice daily.
The medication available is furosemide [Lasix] 10 mg/mL. How many mL
will the nurse administer with each dose?
A. 0.5 mL
B. 1 mL
C. 2 mL
D. 4 mL - Answer C
The nurse is reviewing the home medication list with the patient. The nurse
recognizes that hydrochlorothiazide is used primarily for which condition?
A. Hypertension
B. Edema
C. Diabetes insipidus
D. Protection against postmenopausal osteoporosis - Answer A
The healthcare provider orders mannitol 72 gm infusion over 24 hours. The
nurse plans to set the infusion pump for how many grams per hour?
A. 1 gm
B. 2 gm
C. 3 gm
D. 4 gm - Answer C
Which of the following statements about mannitol [Osmitrol] are correct?
(Select all that apply.)
, A. Mannitol cannot be given orally.
B. Mannitol can cause edema.
C. Mannitol can cause renal failure.
D. Diuresis begins in 30 to 60 minutes after administration.
E. Mannitol is a loop diuretic. - Answer A B D
Which hemodynamic system serves as a reservoir for circulating blood?
A. Heart
B. Lungs
C. Arteries
D. Veins - Answer D
Complete the equation: Cardiac output = Volume of blood ejected at each
heartbeat × ____.
A. Stroke volume
B. Preload
C. Afterload
D. Heart rate - Answer D
Which physiologic mechanism helps to ensure venous return despite low
pressure in the venules?
A. Positive pressure in the right atrium
