Question 1

A patient with Parkinson's disease asks the nurse why anticholinergics are used in the treatment.Which response by the nurse is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

A)   "These drugs help you urinate."
B)   "These drugs will decrease your eye pressure."
C)   "These drugs inhibit the action of acetylcholine."
D)   "These drugs will assist in lowering your heart rate." C

Question 2

The autonomic nervous system can be subdivided into which types of adrenergic receptors?

Accepted Answer

A)   Nicotinic and muscarinic
B)   Afferent and efferent
C)   Alpha and beta
D)   Agonists and antagonists C

Question 3

A patient with a history of type 1 diabetes after myocardial infarction has been placed on a beta-adrenergic blocking agent.Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?

Accepted Answer

A)   "This medication should not be discontinued suddenly."
B)   "This medication lowers my blood pressure by helping me get rid of fluid."
C)   "I may not have my usual symptoms of a hypoglycemic reaction while on this drug."
D)   "This medication may take a few weeks to work." B

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

A)   Bronchodilation
B)   Tachycardia
C)   Vasoconstriction
D)   Uterine relaxation

Question 5

A patient hospitalized in an acute care setting reports to the nurse that since starting on an adrenergic medication,he has been feeling "dizzy and weak." The most appropriate action for the nurse is to:

Accepted Answer

A)   immediately notify the physician.
B)   teach the patient to move slowly from standing to sitting.
C)   discontinue the adrenergic blocker.
D)   monitor the blood pressure in both the supine and standing positions.

Question 6

Which statement(s)is/are true about efferent nerves? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)   They transmit signals to the spinal cord and brain.
B)   They leave the CNS to carry impulses to other body parts.
C)   They are part of the peripheral nervous system.
D)   They transmit signals that control contractions of smooth and skeletal muscles.
E)   They transmit signals that control contractions of some glandular secretions.

Question 7

The nurse is caring for a patient taking a cholinergic agent.When auscultating lung sounds,the nurse notes inspiratory and expiratory wheezing bilaterally.The best action for the nurse to take would be to:

Accepted Answer

A)   provide the next dose of the cholinergic agent immediately.
B)   assess heart rate and blood pressure.
C)   reposition the patient.
D)   withhold the next dose and notify the physician.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

A)   Adrenergic agents
B)   Alpha-adrenergic blocking agents
C)   Beta-adrenergic blocking agents
D)   Cholinergic agents

Question 9

Before the initiation of anticholinergic medications,it is important for the nurse to screen patients for which condition?

Accepted Answer

A)   Hypertension
B)   Infectious diseases
C)   Diabetes
D)   Closed-angle glaucoma

Question 10

Which nerve endings liberate norepinephrine?

Accepted Answer

A)   Cholinergic
B)   Adrenergic
C)   Anticholinergic
D)   Muscarinic

Question 11

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?

Accepted Answer

A)   "The symptoms are typical and indicate that the medication is at a therapeutic level."
B)   "The symptoms will tend to resolve with continued therapy."
C)   "The symptoms are unusual and need to be reported to the healthcare provider immediately."
D)   "The symptoms are indicative of toxicity."

Question 12

Prior to the administration of metoprolol,a beta-adrenergic blocking agent,which is most important for the nurse to assess?

Accepted Answer

A)   Blood pressure
B)   Lung sounds
C)   Mental status
D)   Urine output

Question 13

Which adverse effect(s)is/are common when a patient is receiving a cholinergic agent? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)   Nausea
B)   Hypertension
C)   Dizziness
D)   Bradycardia
E)   Constipation

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

A)   Hypertension
B)   Raynaud's phenomenon
C)   Emphysema
D)   Cardiac dysrhythmias

Question 15

A long-term care resident is taking an anticholinergic agent.The nurse observes the resident to be disoriented and hallucinating.The priority nursing action is to:

Accepted Answer

A)   report development of alterations to the charge nurse.
B)   assess blood glucose.
C)   provide for resident's safety.
D)   medicate with antianxiety medication.

Question 16

Which instruction(s)given by the nurse will assist a patient to cope with the common adverse effects of anticholinergic medications? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)   "Take the medication with meals."
B)   "Increase fluids daily."
C)   "Decrease fiber in the diet."
D)   "Suck on candy or ice chips."
E)   "Monitor blood glucose."

Question 17

Which body function(s)is/are controlled by the autonomic nervous system? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)   Blood pressure
B)   Skeletal muscle contraction
C)   GI secretion
D)   Body temperature
E)   Urination

Question 18

Why are beta blockers used cautiously in patients with respiratory conditions?

Accepted Answer

A)   They mask the signs and symptoms of acute hypoglycemia.
B)   They cause extensive vasodilation and cardiac overload.
C)   They may produce severe bronchoconstriction.
D)   They increase hypertensive episodes.

Question 19

An older adult patient is to receive atenolol,a beta-adrenergic blocking agent.Prior to administration of the drug,the nurse assesses an apical pulse rate of 58 and notes ankle edema.Which action will the nurse take first?

Accepted Answer

A)   Determine the therapeutic blood level.
B)   Encourage the patient to decrease water intake.
C)   Elevate the patient's legs.
D)   Withhold the medication.

Exam 12: Drugs Affecting the Autonomic Nervous System