Chapter 13: Physiology of the Peripheral Nervous System

Chapter 13: Physiology of the Peripheral Nervous System

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. What is the target organ when a beta₁ agonist is administered?

a.	heart
b.	kidney
c.	respiratory
d.	liver

 

 

ANS:  A

A beta₁ agonist increases the patient’s heart rate and blood pressure and is used in heart failure. Beta₁ agonists would not be used for kidney, respiratory, or liver failure.

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive Level: Knowledge            REF:   p. 110

TOP:   Nursing Process: Diagnosis

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies

 

2. A nurse is teaching a patient about a medication that alters sympathetic nervous system functions. To evaluate understanding, the nurse asks the patient to describe which functions the sympathetic nervous system regulates. Which answer indicates the need for further teaching?

a.	“The digestive functions of the body”
b.	“The cardiovascular system”
c.	“The fight-or-flight response”
d.	“Body temperature”

 

 

ANS:  A

The sympathetic nervous system does not regulate digestive functions of the body—the parasympathetic nervous system does; further education is needed. The sympathetic nervous system regulates the cardiovascular system, the fight-or-flight response, and the body temperature; no further education is needed.

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive Level: Analysis                REF:   p. 103

TOP:   Nursing Process: Diagnosis

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies

 

3. A patient is wheezing and short of breath. The nurse assesses a heart rate of 88 beats per minute, a respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute, and a blood pressure of 124/78 mm Hg. The prescriber orders a nonspecific beta agonist medication. Besides evaluating the patient for a reduction in respiratory distress, the nurse will monitor for which side effect?

a.	Hypotension
b.	Tachycardia
c.	Tachypnea
d.	Urinary retention

 

 

ANS:  B

Beta agonists are used for asthma because of their beta₂ effects on bronchial smooth muscle, causing dilation. Beta₁ effects cause tachycardia and hypertension. Beta receptors do not exert effects on the bladder.

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   pp. 110-111

TOP:   Nursing Process: Evaluation

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies

 

4. A nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about neurotransmitters. Which statement by a student about acetylcholine indicates a need for further teaching?

a.	“It activates three cholinergic receptor subtypes.”
b.	“It has effects in the parasympathetic, sympathetic, and somatic nervous systems.”
c.	“It is used at most junctions of the peripheral nervous system.”
d.	“Its transmission is terminated by reuptake into the cholinergic nerve terminal.”

 

 

ANS:  D

Acetylcholine (ACh) is destroyed by acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that degrades ACh into two inactive products: acetate and choline. Choline is taken up into the nerve terminal. ACh activates three receptor sites: nicotinic_N, nicotinic_M, and muscarinic. ACh has effects throughout the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and is used at most junctions in the PNS.

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive Level: Analysis                REF:   p. 112

TOP:   Nursing Process: Diagnosis

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies