Cardiac Medicine Certification (CMC) Practice Exam

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What is Nesiritide (Natrecor) primarily used for in heart failure treatment?

To decrease blood pressure
To alleviate symptoms
To relieve chest pain
To correct electrolyte levels

The correct answer is: To alleviate symptoms

Nesiritide (Natrecor) is primarily utilized in the management of acute decompensated heart failure, specifically for its ability to alleviate symptoms associated with fluid overload. It is a recombinant form of human B-type natriuretic peptide and works by causing vasodilation, which reduces the preload and afterload on the heart. This leads to decreased cardiac filling pressures and ultimately helps improve symptoms such as dyspnea (shortness of breath) and edema. The role of Nesiritide is to provide symptomatic relief rather than to address underlying causes like blood pressure control, chest pain relief, or correcting electrolyte imbalances, making it distinctive in heart failure therapy. Its function aligns with improving the patient's comfort and reducing the signs of heart failure, which underscores why alleviating symptoms is the primary focus of its use.