D441 Pharmacology: Cardiovascular Drugs Practice Pack 2026 |WGU
1. What is the primary mechanism of action for ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril?
A. Inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium in the distal tubule
B. Directly blocking the Angiotensin II receptors
C. Antagonizing beta-1 adrenergic receptors
D. Blocking the conversion of Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II
Answer: D
Rationale: ACE inhibitors work by inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which
prevents the conversion of Angiotensin I to the potent vasoconstrictor Angiotensin II.
2. A patient taking Enalapril develops a persistent, dry, non-productive cough.
What is the physiological cause of this side effect?
A. Accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs
B. Increased levels of aldosterone
C. Pulmonary edema caused by heart failure
D. Bronchoconstriction from beta-2 blockade
Answer: A
Rationale: ACE inhibitors prevent the breakdown of bradykinin; its accumulation in the
respiratory tract leads to the common side effect of a dry cough.
,3. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with the use of
ACE inhibitors?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hyperkalemia
Answer: D
Rationale: By reducing aldosterone secretion, ACE inhibitors cause the kidneys to retain
potassium, potentially leading to hyperkalemia.
4. A nurse is preparing to administer Propranolol to a patient. Which condition
in the patient’s history would be a contraindication?
A. Asthma
B. Glaucoma
C. Hypertension
D. Tachycardia
Answer: A
Rationale: Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that can block beta-2 receptors in
the lungs, causing bronchoconstriction, which is dangerous for patients with asthma or
COPD.
5. What is the primary site of action for Loop Diuretics such as Furosemide?
A. Ascending limb of the Loop of Henle
B. Proximal convoluted tubule
C. Distal convoluted tubule
D. Collecting duct
Answer: A
Rationale: Loop diuretics inhibit the sodium-potassium-chloride cotransporter in the thick
ascending limb of the Loop of Henle.
, 6. A patient is prescribed Spironolactone. Which of the following dietary
instructions is most important?
A. Increase intake of bananas and orange juice
B. Maintain a high-sodium diet to prevent dehydration
C. Avoid salt substitutes containing potassium chloride
D. Drink at least 4 liters of water daily
Answer: C
Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. Using potassium-containing salt
substitutes can lead to dangerously high potassium levels (hyperkalemia).
7. Which beta-blocker is considered cardioselective, primarily targeting Beta-1
receptors?
A. Propranolol
B. Nadolol
C. Atenolol
D. Timolol
Answer: C
Rationale: Atenolol and Metoprolol are cardioselective beta-blockers that preferentially
block beta-1 receptors in the heart at standard doses.
8. What is a common life-threatening adverse effect of ACE inhibitors that
involves swelling of the face and lips?
A. Anaphylaxis
B. Angioedema
C. Urticaria
D. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Answer: B
Rationale: Angioedema is a rare but serious adverse effect of ACE inhibitors characterized
by rapid swelling of the dermis and submucosal tissues, which can obstruct the airway.
1. What is the primary mechanism of action for ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril?
A. Inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium in the distal tubule
B. Directly blocking the Angiotensin II receptors
C. Antagonizing beta-1 adrenergic receptors
D. Blocking the conversion of Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II
Answer: D
Rationale: ACE inhibitors work by inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which
prevents the conversion of Angiotensin I to the potent vasoconstrictor Angiotensin II.
2. A patient taking Enalapril develops a persistent, dry, non-productive cough.
What is the physiological cause of this side effect?
A. Accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs
B. Increased levels of aldosterone
C. Pulmonary edema caused by heart failure
D. Bronchoconstriction from beta-2 blockade
Answer: A
Rationale: ACE inhibitors prevent the breakdown of bradykinin; its accumulation in the
respiratory tract leads to the common side effect of a dry cough.
,3. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with the use of
ACE inhibitors?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hyperkalemia
Answer: D
Rationale: By reducing aldosterone secretion, ACE inhibitors cause the kidneys to retain
potassium, potentially leading to hyperkalemia.
4. A nurse is preparing to administer Propranolol to a patient. Which condition
in the patient’s history would be a contraindication?
A. Asthma
B. Glaucoma
C. Hypertension
D. Tachycardia
Answer: A
Rationale: Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that can block beta-2 receptors in
the lungs, causing bronchoconstriction, which is dangerous for patients with asthma or
COPD.
5. What is the primary site of action for Loop Diuretics such as Furosemide?
A. Ascending limb of the Loop of Henle
B. Proximal convoluted tubule
C. Distal convoluted tubule
D. Collecting duct
Answer: A
Rationale: Loop diuretics inhibit the sodium-potassium-chloride cotransporter in the thick
ascending limb of the Loop of Henle.
, 6. A patient is prescribed Spironolactone. Which of the following dietary
instructions is most important?
A. Increase intake of bananas and orange juice
B. Maintain a high-sodium diet to prevent dehydration
C. Avoid salt substitutes containing potassium chloride
D. Drink at least 4 liters of water daily
Answer: C
Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. Using potassium-containing salt
substitutes can lead to dangerously high potassium levels (hyperkalemia).
7. Which beta-blocker is considered cardioselective, primarily targeting Beta-1
receptors?
A. Propranolol
B. Nadolol
C. Atenolol
D. Timolol
Answer: C
Rationale: Atenolol and Metoprolol are cardioselective beta-blockers that preferentially
block beta-1 receptors in the heart at standard doses.
8. What is a common life-threatening adverse effect of ACE inhibitors that
involves swelling of the face and lips?
A. Anaphylaxis
B. Angioedema
C. Urticaria
D. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Answer: B
Rationale: Angioedema is a rare but serious adverse effect of ACE inhibitors characterized
by rapid swelling of the dermis and submucosal tissues, which can obstruct the airway.
