Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Repeated USMLE Questions Step 1- 158






A 48 year old man presents to the emergency room with severe headache and blurred vision. His blood pressure is 230/140. Ophthalmologic examination reveals blurred optic discs with indistinct margins. An intravenous drip of sodium nitroprusside is started.

What is the mechanism of action of this medication?

A- Alpha adrenergic antagonist
B- Beta adrenergic antagonist
C- Ganglion blocker
D- ACE inhibitor
E- Direct smooth muscle vasodilator








Answer:

Sodium nitroprusside is a direct smooth muscle vasodilator. It works directly on the large arteries to lower systolic blood pressure.


The correct answer is E 




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