Page 1 of 184
Pharmacology Cardiovascular Test Bank
Actual Exam Complete Questions And
Correct Detailed Answers (Verified Answers)
||Complete A+ Guide
1. A nurse is teaching a patient about hydrochlorothiazide.
Which statement indicates understanding?
A. “I should take this medication at bedtime.”
B. “I can stop taking this if my blood pressure is normal.”
C. “I should report muscle weakness or cramps.”
D. “This drug works by relaxing my blood vessels.”
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hydrochlorothiazide can cause hypokalemia,
leading to muscle weakness/cramps. Take in morning to avoid
nocturia. BP meds are lifelong. Thiazides inhibit sodium
reabsorption in distal tubule, not vasodilation.
,Page 2 of 184
2. A patient on lisinopril develops a persistent dry cough.
What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Administer an antitussive.
B. Notify the provider; the drug may need to be changed.
C. Reassure the patient it will resolve.
D. Check for pedal edema.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dry cough from ACE inhibitors is due to bradykinin
accumulation. Often requires switching to an ARB. Antitussives
ineffective; cough may persist.
3. Which beta-blocker is cardioselective (beta-1 selective)?
A. Propranolol
B. Metoprolol
C. Carvedilol
D. Labetalol
,Page 3 of 184
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Metoprolol is beta-1 selective at low doses.
Propranolol is nonselective; carvedilol and labetalol have
alpha-blocking activity.
4. A patient on verapamil reports constipation. What should
the nurse recommend?
A. Stop the medication immediately.
B. Increase dietary fiber and fluids.
C. Take a stimulant laxative daily.
D. Switch to amlodipine.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Verapamil (calcium channel blocker) commonly
causes constipation. Increase fiber/fluids. Do not stop abruptly.
Laxatives not first-line. Switching requires provider order.
, Page 4 of 184
5. A patient is started on losartan. Which finding requires
immediate provider notification?
A. Serum potassium 5.1 mEq/L
B. Blood pressure 128/78 mmHg
C. Swelling of the tongue and lips
D. Mild headache
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Angioedema (tongue/lip swelling) is a serious
adverse effect of ARBs and ACE inhibitors. Requires immediate
intervention. K+ 5.1 is mild elevation; BP 128/78 is
therapeutic.
6. A nurse administers IV furosemide to a patient with
hypertension and heart failure. Which assessment is most
important?
A. Blood pressure
B. Urine output
Pharmacology Cardiovascular Test Bank
Actual Exam Complete Questions And
Correct Detailed Answers (Verified Answers)
||Complete A+ Guide
1. A nurse is teaching a patient about hydrochlorothiazide.
Which statement indicates understanding?
A. “I should take this medication at bedtime.”
B. “I can stop taking this if my blood pressure is normal.”
C. “I should report muscle weakness or cramps.”
D. “This drug works by relaxing my blood vessels.”
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hydrochlorothiazide can cause hypokalemia,
leading to muscle weakness/cramps. Take in morning to avoid
nocturia. BP meds are lifelong. Thiazides inhibit sodium
reabsorption in distal tubule, not vasodilation.
,Page 2 of 184
2. A patient on lisinopril develops a persistent dry cough.
What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Administer an antitussive.
B. Notify the provider; the drug may need to be changed.
C. Reassure the patient it will resolve.
D. Check for pedal edema.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dry cough from ACE inhibitors is due to bradykinin
accumulation. Often requires switching to an ARB. Antitussives
ineffective; cough may persist.
3. Which beta-blocker is cardioselective (beta-1 selective)?
A. Propranolol
B. Metoprolol
C. Carvedilol
D. Labetalol
,Page 3 of 184
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Metoprolol is beta-1 selective at low doses.
Propranolol is nonselective; carvedilol and labetalol have
alpha-blocking activity.
4. A patient on verapamil reports constipation. What should
the nurse recommend?
A. Stop the medication immediately.
B. Increase dietary fiber and fluids.
C. Take a stimulant laxative daily.
D. Switch to amlodipine.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Verapamil (calcium channel blocker) commonly
causes constipation. Increase fiber/fluids. Do not stop abruptly.
Laxatives not first-line. Switching requires provider order.
, Page 4 of 184
5. A patient is started on losartan. Which finding requires
immediate provider notification?
A. Serum potassium 5.1 mEq/L
B. Blood pressure 128/78 mmHg
C. Swelling of the tongue and lips
D. Mild headache
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Angioedema (tongue/lip swelling) is a serious
adverse effect of ARBs and ACE inhibitors. Requires immediate
intervention. K+ 5.1 is mild elevation; BP 128/78 is
therapeutic.
6. A nurse administers IV furosemide to a patient with
hypertension and heart failure. Which assessment is most
important?
A. Blood pressure
B. Urine output
