Pharmacological and Parenteral TherapiesQuestion 1311 of 2368
An infant with a large ventricular septal defect receives enalapril. What is the expected benefit of this medication?
- Lower systemic vascular resistance, which decreases left-to-right shunting
- Higher systemic vascular resistance, which increases right-to-left shunting
- Stronger contractions, which increase the stroke volume
- Higher potassium levels, which reduce fluid overload
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Correct answer: Lower systemic vascular resistance, which decreases left-to-right shunting
ACE inhibitors dilate vessels and lower left-sided pressures, so less blood is shunted to the right side.
Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), Congenital Heart Defects: ANGIOTENSIN CONVERTING ENZYME (ACE) INHIBITORS. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026