BCPS BCPS Cardiovascular & Critical Care Pharmacotherapy

Question 1

A patient with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF, EF 30%) is already on carvedilol and lisinopril.
Which additional agent has been shown to reduce mortality and hospitalizations in this population?

Accepted Answer

Sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto)

Answer

Digoxin

Answer

Amlodipine

Answer

Ivabradine as first addition

Question 2

A patient in the ICU develops atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response and is hemodynamically stable. Which agent is preferred for acute rate control?

Accepted Answer

Diltiazem IV

Answer

Amiodarone IV

Answer

Digoxin IV

Answer

Adenosine IV

Question 3

Which vasopressor is considered first-line for septic shock per Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Phenylephrine

Question 4

A patient with STEMI undergoes PCI and is started on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and ticagrelor. Which monitoring parameter is specifically important for ticagrelor?

Accepted Answer

Dyspnea (often off-target adenosine effect) and bleeding

Answer

Complete blood count weekly for thrombocytopenia

Answer

Serum potassium for hyperkalemia

Answer

Liver function tests monthly

Question 5

A patient is in hypertensive emergency with a blood pressure of 220/130 mmHg and new onset confusion. What is the correct initial blood pressure reduction target within the first hour?

Accepted Answer

Reduce mean arterial pressure (MAP) by no more than 25% in the first hour

Answer

Reduce to normal (<120/80 mmHg) as quickly as possible

Answer

Reduce systolic BP to below 160 mmHg within 15 minutes

Answer

Reduce diastolic BP to below 90 mmHg within 30 minutes

Question 6

Which anticoagulant is preferred for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and why?

Accepted Answer

A direct thrombin inhibitor such as argatroban or bivalirudin

Answer

Low molecular weight heparin (enoxaparin)

Answer

Warfarin with immediate bridging

Answer

Fondaparinux as the only option