CMA Drug Classifications & Effects 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident's MAR lists metoprolol. To which drug class does metoprolol belong?
- Calcium channel blocker
- Beta-adrenergic blocker (Correct answer)
- ACE inhibitor
- Loop diuretic
Correct answer: Beta-adrenergic blocker
Metoprolol is a beta blocker, a class whose generic names typically end in -olol.
Question 2: Before giving digoxin, the medication aide checks the apical pulse. Under typical facility policy, below what rate should the dose be held and the nurse notified?
- 100 beats per minute
- 80 beats per minute
- 60 beats per minute (Correct answer)
- 40 beats per minute
Correct answer: 60 beats per minute
Digoxin slows the heart rate, so it is usually held if the apical pulse is below 60 bpm in adults.
Question 3: A resident started lisinopril two weeks ago and now has a persistent dry, hacking cough. Which drug class is most often linked to this side effect?
- ACE inhibitors (Correct answer)
- Beta blockers
- Thiazide diuretics
- Nitrates
Correct answer: ACE inhibitors
ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril commonly cause a dry cough because bradykinin builds up.
Question 4: A resident taking furosemide complains of muscle cramps and weakness. Which electrolyte imbalance should the aide report as a possible cause?
- Hypernatremia
- Hypercalcemia
- Hyperkalemia
- Hypokalemia (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Hypokalemia
Loop diuretics like furosemide make the body lose potassium, which can lead to hypokalemia and muscle cramps.
Question 5: Which observation in a resident taking warfarin is most important to report right away?
- Mild drowsiness after lunch
- Bleeding gums and unusual bruising (Correct answer)
- Increased appetite
- Dry mouth
Correct answer: Bleeding gums and unusual bruising
Warfarin is an anticoagulant, so signs of bleeding such as bleeding gums or bruising must be reported promptly.
Question 6: A resident gets a headache shortly after taking sublingual nitroglycerin for chest pain. What explains this common effect?
- Dilation of blood vessels (Correct answer)
- Allergic reaction to the tablet
- Drop in blood sugar
- Increased heart contractility
Correct answer: Dilation of blood vessels
Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator, and widening of the blood vessels in the head often causes a headache.
Question 7: A resident on atorvastatin reports unexplained muscle pain and tenderness. Why should this be reported?
- It means the drug is working
- It is a sign of low blood pressure
- It may indicate statin-related muscle damage (Correct answer)
- It is caused by too much potassium
Correct answer: It may indicate statin-related muscle damage
Statins can cause myopathy or rhabdomyolysis, so new muscle pain must be reported.
