Chapter 12: Drugs That Affect the Autonomic Nervous System

Chapter 12: Drugs That Affect the Autonomic Nervous System

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. Which condition would alert the nurse of the need to use beta-adrenergic blockers cautiously?

ANS:  C

Beta-adrenergic blockers can produce severe bronchoconstriction. Selective beta-1 antagonists are used to treat hypertension. Alpha-adrenergic blocking agents are used to treat patients with Raynaud’s disease. Beta-adrenergic blocking agents are indicated for patients with cardiac arrhythmias.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   Page 180        OBJ:   8

TOP:   Nursing Process Step: Assessment

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity

NOT:  CONCEPT(S): Clinical Judgment; Safety; Perfusion; Care Coordination

2. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) reports having insomnia and a racing heart after starting terbutaline therapy. Which explanation by the nurse is most accurate?

ANS:  B

Terbutaline, an adrenergic agent effective for bronchodilation, can cause excessive central nervous system (CNS) stimulation. Adverse effects such as palpitations, tachycardia, flushed skin, dizziness, and tremors tend to be mild and resolve with continued therapy. The therapeutic level can only be determined by analyzing a blood sample. These are common symptoms and should only be reported if they persist. Symptoms of toxicity are chest pain, persistent palpitations, and tachycardia.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   Page 178        OBJ:   4 | 5

TOP:   Nursing Process Step: Evaluation

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity

NOT:  CONCEPT(S): Clinical Judgment; Safety; Perfusion; Gas Exchange; Patient Education

3. What is the primary response to alpha-1 receptor stimulation?

ANS:  C

Stimulation of the alpha-1 receptors causes vasoconstriction of all blood vessels throughout the body. Alpha-1 receptor stimulation causes bronchoconstriction. Alpha-1 receptor stimulation does not cause tachycardia. Beta-2 receptor stimulation produces relaxation of smooth muscle tissue, such as the uterus.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Knowledge            REF:   Page 180        OBJ:   4 | 5

TOP:   Nursing Process Step: Evaluation

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity

NOT:  CONCEPT(S): Clinical Judgment; Perfusion

4. Which category of medications is used for peripheral vascular diseases characterized by excessive vasoconstriction, such as Raynaud’s disease?

ANS:  B

Alpha-adrenergic blocking agents interfere with the stimulation of alpha-1 and alpha-2 receptors. Because the primary action of alpha receptor stimulation is vasoconstriction, alpha-adrenergic blocking agents are indicated for patients with diseases associated with vasoconstriction. Adrenergic drugs cause vasoconstriction. Beta-adrenergic blocking agents are used to treat hypertension and dysrhythmias. Cholinergic drugs are used to treat ocular diseases such as glaucoma, respiratory tract disease, and urinary system diseases.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Comprehension     REF:   Page 180        OBJ:   8

TOP:   Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity

NOT:  CONCEPT(S): Clinical Judgment; Perfusion