Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) Practice Exam

Which two medications are considered critical to continue before surgery?

1. Calcium Channel Blockers and Beta Blockers

2. ACE inhibitors and ARBs

3. Anticoagulants and antiplatelets

4. NSAIDs and corticosteroids

The correct answer is: Calcium Channel Blockers and Beta Blockers

Continuing medications prior to surgery is crucial for ensuring patient safety and optimal outcomes. Calcium Channel Blockers and Beta Blockers are particularly important to maintain because they play significant roles in managing cardiovascular health. Calcium Channel Blockers help control blood pressure and heart rate, reducing the risk of perioperative complications, particularly in patients with existing hypertension or cardiovascular issues. Maintaining stable blood pressure is vital during surgery to minimize the risk of intraoperative cardiovascular events. Beta Blockers are essential in patients with a history of cardiac disease or at high risk for cardiac events during surgery. They help manage heart rate and reduce the risk of perioperative myocardial ischemia, which can be a critical concern, especially in major surgeries. Discontinuing these medications can lead to an increased risk of perioperative complications, such as tachyarrhythmias or hypertensive crises. The other options represent medications that may have varying recommendations regarding their continuation before surgery. For instance, while ACE inhibitors and ARBs can be resumed postoperatively, they might sometimes be temporarily withheld due to the risk of hypotension during induction anesthesia. Anticoagulants and antiplatelets are often managed carefully due to bleeding risks during and after surgery, and there's usually a specific protocol to decide whether they should be