Chapter 20: Cholinergic Drugs

Chapter 20: Cholinergic Drugs

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. When monitoring a patient who is taking a low-dose cholinergic drug, the nurse will watch for which cardiovascular effect?

a.	Bradycardia
b.	Tachycardia
c.	Vasoconstriction
d.	Palpitations

 

 

ANS:  A

The cardiovascular effects of low doses of cholinergic drugs are decreased heart rate (not tachycardia) and vasodilation. Palpitations are not effects of cholinergic drugs.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Understanding (Comprehension)    REF:   p. 323

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Evaluation

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

2. The nurse notes in a patient’s medication history that the patient is taking pilocarpine (Pilocar). Based on this finding, the nurse interprets that the patient has which disorder?

a.	Anticholinergic poisoning
b.	Glaucoma
c.	Bladder atony
d.	Myasthenia gravis

 

 

ANS:  B

Pilocarpine is a direct-acting drug that is used topically to reduce intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma. The other disorders are not indications for pilocarpine.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application)                  REF:   p. 323

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Assessment

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

3. A patient has had an overdose of an intravenous cholinergic drug. The nurse expects to administer which drug as an antidote?

a.	Atenolol (Tenormin)
b.	Bethanechol (Urecholine)
c.	Dobutamine
d.	Atropine sulfate

 

 

ANS:  D

Prompt administration of atropine sulfate can reverse a toxic dose of cholinergic drugs. The other drugs listed are not antidotes to cholinergic toxicity.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Understanding (Comprehension)    REF:   p. 324

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Assessment

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

4. A patient who has had abdominal surgery has been discharged on a cholinergic drug to assist in increasing gastrointestinal peristalsis. The nurse will teach this patient to look for which therapeutic effect?

a.	Decreased pulse rate
b.	Abdominal cramping
c.	Passage of flatus
d.	Decreased urge to void

 

 

ANS:  C

In patients suffering a decrease in GI peristalsis postoperatively, taking a cholinergic drug should result in an increase in bowel sounds, the passage of flatus, and the occurrence of bowel movements that indicate increased GI peristalsis.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application)                  REF:   p. 328

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Evaluation

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential

 

5. A cholinergic drug is prescribed for a patient with a new diagnosis of myasthenia gravis, and the nurse provides instructions to the patient about the medication. What is important to include in the teaching?

a.	Take the medication with meals to avoid gastrointestinal distress.
b.	Give daytime doses close together for maximal therapeutic effect.
c.	Take the medication 30 minutes before eating to improve swallowing and chewing.
d.	Take the medication only if difficulty swallowing occurs during a meal.

 

 

ANS:  C

Taking the medication 30 minutes before meals allows time for the onset of action and therapeutic effects during the meal. The doses should be spaced evenly apart to optimize the effects of the medication. The other options are incorrect.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application)                  REF:   p. 327

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Implementation

MSC:   NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential