NCSBN Medication Exam with Questions and Answers

NCSBN Medication Exam with Questions and Answers Alpha Blockers ANSWER DESCRIPTION These medications cause vasodilation by blocking the binding of norepinephrine to the smooth muscle receptors in blood vessels. Uses: To prevent, treat or improve symptoms in conditions such as hypertension, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Raynaud's disease, scleroderma, and pheochromocytoma. EXAMPLES doxazosin (Cardura) prazosin (Minipress) tamsulosin (Flomax) terazosin (Hytrin) Nice to know: alpha blockers are usually prescribed only when other antihypertensives are not working Really important: significant dizziness and syncope are common with the first dose (AKA first dose effect) Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors ANSWER DESCRIPTION These medications slow the activity of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), decreasing the production of angiotensin II. As a result, blood vessels relax and dilate, blood pressure lowers, and more oxygen-rich blood reaches the heart.