Prepare for the NREMT Paramedic Exam with comprehensive quizzes that cover essential topics, including patient assessment, treatment protocols, and emergency medical care. With multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations, you'll be ready to excel in your certification test.

Practice this question and more.


Which class of medications is indicated by the suffix '-pril'?

  1. Calcium channel blockers

  2. ACE inhibitors

  3. Beta blockers

  4. Local anesthetics

The correct answer is: ACE inhibitors

Medications that have the suffix '-pril' are classified as ACE inhibitors, or Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme inhibitors. These medications are primarily used to manage hypertension and congestive heart failure. They work by inhibiting the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a hormone that narrows blood vessels and increases blood pressure. By blocking this conversion, ACE inhibitors help relax blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more freely, which can lead to a decrease in blood pressure and reduced workload on the heart. This class of medications includes examples like lisinopril, enalapril, and ramipril. The recognition of the '-pril' suffix is a useful way for healthcare professionals to identify these drugs quickly and understand their therapeutic use during patient assessments and treatment planning.