Pharmacology Quiz: Drugs Used in Treating Heart Failure

A patient with acute decompensated HF requires IV therapy to improve contractility. Which drug is most appropriate?

• Lisinopril

• Metoprolol

• Dobutamine

• Spironolactone

A patient with acute HF receives nesiritide. What is its primary mechanism?

• PDE inhibition

• β1 stimulation

• Increased cGMP causing vasodilation

• Na+/K+-ATPase inhibition

Milrinone improves HF symptoms primarily by:

• Decreasing cAMP

• Inhibiting phosphodiesterase III

• Blocking aldosterone

• Blocking β1 receptors

Which compensatory system increases both preload and afterload in HF?

• Natriuretic peptides

• Parasympathetic system

• RAAS

• Nitric oxide

A dental patient with CHF reports orthopnea. This symptom is due to:

• Reduced cardiac output

• Increased venous return when supine

• Dehydration

• Bradycardia

Which drug interaction is most concerning in a dental patient taking digoxin?

• Acetaminophen

• Antibiotics altering gut flora

• Local anesthetics

• NSAIDs

A patient with CHF has BP 95/60 and labored breathing during treatment. What is the best action?

• Finish quickly

• Administer epinephrine

• Stop treatment and refer

• Give oral fluids

Which drug directly increases intracellular calcium?

• ACE inhibitors

• β-blockers

• Digoxin

• Diuretics

Which drug reduces mortality by preventing β1-receptor downregulation?

• Digoxin

• β-blockers

• Diuretics

• Nitrates

Which peptide promotes natriuresis and vasodilation?

• Angiotensin II

• Aldosterone

• BNP

• Renin