MCQs on Therapy Hypertension (Pharmacology)

                        MCQs on Therapy Hypertension (Pharmacology)

1. Which class of antihypertensive medications is commonly used as first-line treatment for uncomplicated hypertension?

a) ACE inhibitors

b) Beta-blockers

c) Calcium channel blockers

d) Diuretics

Anwer- (d) Diuretics. Diuretics are often considered first-line treatment for uncomplicated hypertension because they help reduce blood volume by promoting the excretion of sodium and water by the kidneys. This leads to a decrease in blood volume and, subsequently, a reduction in blood pressure.


2. What is the primary mechanism of action of ACE inhibitors in treating hypertension?

a) Blockade of angiotensin II production

b) Inhibition of calcium channels

c) Stimulation of alpha-1 receptors

d) Relaxation of smooth muscle in arterial walls

Answer: (a) Blockade of angiotensin II production. ACE inhibitors inhibit the enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor, so blocking its production leads to vasodilation and a reduction in blood pressure.


3. Which of the following antihypertensive medications primarily targets beta-receptors to reduce heart rate and cardiac output?

a) Alpha-blockers

b) Beta-blockers

c) Calcium channel blockers

d) Diuretics

Answer: (c) Beta-blockers. Beta-blockers work by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart, which reduces heart rate and cardiac output. This results in lower blood pressure.


4. What is the primary goal of hypertensive therapy?

a) To achieve the lowest possible blood pressure

b) To reduce blood pressure to a level that lowers the risk of cardiovascular complications

c) To eliminate all symptoms of hypertension

d) To prevent hypertension from developing

Answer: (b) To reduce blood pressure to a level that lowers the risk of cardiovascular complications. The goal of hypertensive therapy is to lower blood pressure to a range that reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other complications associated with hypertension.


5. Which class of antihypertensive medications is known to affect the central nervous system, reducing sympathetic outflow to blood vessels and the heart?

a) ACE inhibitors

b) Alpha-blockers

c) Calcium channel blockers

d) Centrally acting agents

Answer: (d) Centrally acting agents. These medications work in the central nervous system to reduce sympathetic nervous system activity, leading to decreased heart rate, reduced cardiac output, and vasodilation, all of which lower blood pressure.


6. Which class of antihypertensive medications primarily targets angiotensin II receptors, leading to vasodilation and reduced blood pressure?

a) Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)

b) ACE inhibitors

c) Beta-blockers

d) Calcium channel blockers

Answer: (a) Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). ARBs block the effects of angiotensin II on its receptors, resulting in vasodilation and decreased blood pressure.


7. What is the primary mechanism of action of calcium channel blockers in treating hypertension?

a) Inhibition of calcium channels in the kidneys

b) Inhibition of renin production

c) Relaxation of smooth muscle in arterial walls

d) Stimulation of beta-receptors

Answer: (c) Relaxation of smooth muscle in arterial walls. Calcium channel blockers inhibit calcium channels in blood vessel walls, leading to vasodilation and reduced peripheral vascular resistance.


8. Which antihypertensive medication is often used as an adjunct therapy for resistant hypertension and is classified as a direct vasodilator?

a) ACE inhibitors

b) Alpha-blockers

c) Minoxidil

d) Thiazide diuretics 

Answer: (c) Minoxidil. Minoxidil is a direct vasodilator that can be used as an adjunct therapy for resistant hypertension when other medications have not been effective.


9. What is the primary role of diuretics in hypertensive therapy?

a) Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)

b) Blockade of calcium channels

c) Stimulation of alpha-1 receptors

d) Reduction of blood volume and sodium excretion

Answer: (d) Reduction of blood volume and sodium excretion. Diuretics promote the excretion of sodium and water by the kidneys, leading to a decrease in blood volume and, consequently, a reduction in blood pressure.


10. Which class of antihypertensive medications is commonly used in individuals with coexisting conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) due to its effect on smooth muscle relaxation?

a) Alpha-blockers

b) ACE inhibitors

c) Beta-blockers

d) Calcium channel blockers

Answer is (a) Alpha-blockers. Alpha-blockers are often used to treat hypertension in individuals with BPH because they relax smooth muscle in both blood vessel walls and the prostate.


11. What is the primary benefit of combining antihypertensive medications from different classes in the management of hypertension?

a) It minimizes side effects.

b) It provides better blood pressure control.

c) It reduces the need for lifestyle modifications.

d) It eliminates the risk of drug interactions.

Answer: (b) It provides better blood pressure control. Combining antihypertensive medications from different classes can have synergistic effects, allowing for more effective blood pressure reduction and improved control of hypertension.


12. Which of the following is a centrally acting agent commonly used in the treatment of hypertension?

a) Amlodipine

b) Enalapril

c) Clonidine

d) Losartan

Answer: (c) Clonidine. Clonidine is a centrally acting agent that reduces blood pressure by affecting the central nervous system and reducing sympathetic nervous system activity.


13. What is the term for blood pressure readings of 130-139 mm Hg systolic or 80-89 mm Hg diastolic?

a) Elevated blood pressure

b) Hypertension Stage 1

c) Hypertension Stage 2

d) Normal blood pressure

Answer: (b) Hypertension Stage 1. Blood pressure readings in this range are classified as Stage 1 hypertension, which may require lifestyle modifications and, in some cases, medication.


14. Which class of antihypertensive medications may lead to potassium retention and the need for potassium supplementation or monitoring?

a) ACE inhibitors

b) Beta-blockers

c) Calcium channel blockers

d) Thiazide diuretics

Answer: (d) Thiazide diuretics. Thiazide diuretics can cause potassium retention, potentially leading to elevated potassium levels in the blood. This may require potassium supplementation or monitoring.


15. Which antihypertensive medication class primarily targets the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) by inhibiting angiotensin II receptors?

a) ACE inhibitors

b) Beta-blockers

c) Centrally acting agents

d) Calcium channel blockers

Answer: (a) ACE inhibitors. ACE inhibitors inhibit the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, leading to reduced angiotensin II levels and subsequent vasodilation and blood pressure reduction.


16. Which of the following medications is a common example of an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) used in the treatment of hypertension?

a) Atenolol

b) Lisinopril

c) Losartan

d) Spironolactone

Answer: (c) Losartan. Losartan is an example of an ARB commonly used to treat hypertension by blocking the effects of angiotensin II on its receptors.


17. Which class of antihypertensive medications should be avoided in individuals with a history of heart failure due to their potential to worsen cardiac function?

a) ACE inhibitors

b) Alpha-blockers

c) Beta-blockers

d) Calcium channel blockers

Answer: (c) Beta-blockers. Beta-blockers should be used with caution in individuals with heart failure as they can potentially worsen cardiac function. ACE inhibitors and certain other medications are preferred for managing hypertension in such patients.


18. Which of the following is NOT a potential side effect associated with alpha-blockers used in the treatment of hypertension?

a) Dizziness

b) Bradycardia

c) Orthostatic hypotension

d) Nasal congestion

Answer: (b) Bradycardia. Alpha-blockers are more likely to cause orthostatic hypotension, nasal congestion, and dizziness as side effects. Bradycardia is not a common side effect of alpha-blockers.


19. Which class of antihypertensive medications is commonly used as a first-line treatment for hypertension during pregnancy?

a) Beta-blockers

b) ACE inhibitors

c) Calcium channel blockers

d) Methyldopa

Answer: (d) Methyldopa. Methyldopa is often used as a first-line treatment for hypertension during pregnancy because it is considered safe for both the mother and the developing fetus.


20. Which antihypertensive medication class is known for its potential to cause a persistent dry cough as a side effect?

a) ACE inhibitors

b) Alpha-blockers

c) Calcium channel blockers

d) Centrally acting agents

Answer: (a) ACE inhibitors. ACE inhibitors can cause a persistent dry cough as a side effect in some individuals. If this side effect occurs, the medication may need to be discontinued, and an alternative treatment considered.

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