Adrenergic Drugs Flashcards
Adrenergic drugs produce effects similar to which of the body’s systems?
a. The central nervous system
b. The somatic nervous system
c. The sympathetic nervous system
d. The parasympathetic nervous system
ANS: C
Adrenergic drugs mimic the sympathetic nervous system neurotransmitters. Thus, adrenergic drugs are also called sympathomimetic drugs.
When an adrenergic drug stimulates β1-adrenergic receptors, the result is an increased force of contraction, which is known as what type of positive effect?
a. Inotropic
b. Adrenergic
c. Dromotropic d. Chronotropic
ANS: A
An increased force of contraction is known as a positive inotropic effect.
When a patient is taking an adrenergic drug, the nurse expects to see which effect?
a. Increased heart rate
b. Bronchial constriction
c. Peripheral vasodilation
d. Increased intestinal peristalsis
ANS: A
Increased heart rate is one of the effects of adrenergic drugs. Bronchial dilation, peripheral constriction, and decreased intestinal peristalsis are not effects of adrenergic drugs.
An adrenergic agonist is ordered for a patient in shock. The nurse notes that this drug has had its primary intended effect when which condition occurs?
a. Blood volume restoration
b. Increased blood pressure
c. Stable urine output
d. Reduced anxiety
ANS: B
For a patient in shock, a primary benefit of an adrenergic agonist drug is to increase blood pressure. A drug in this category should not be used in place of volume restoration or to provide blood volume restoration (intravenous fluids should be used). Adrenergic agonists may enhance urine output if cardiac output and perfusion to the kidneys increase, but this is a secondary benefit. Treatment of anxiety is not an indication for adrenergics.
After a near-fatal motor vehicle accident, a family has given permission for their 6-year-old son’s organs to be donated. Which medication will be given to the child to maintain the blood pressure in his organs until transplantation can be carried out?
a. epinephrine hydrochloride
b. midodrine hydrochloride
c. dobutamine hydrochloride
d. dopamine hydrochloride
ANS: D
Dopamine hydrochloride is used to maintain blood pressure in organs that are to be transplanted
Which condition is an indication for epinephrine (Adrenalin®)?
a. Severe hypertension
b. Conjunctival congestion
c. Acute asthma attacks
d. Heart failure
ANS: C
Acute asthma attack is one of the indications for the use of epinephrine
A female patient is on a low-dose dobutamine drip for heart failure. She had been feeling “better” but now reports tightness in her chest and a bit of anxiety. Her heart rate, which was 86, is now up to 110, and her blood pressure, which was 120/80, is now 150/98. What is the nurse’s immediate assessment of the patient’s condition?
a. The patient is experiencing the normal adverse effects of dobutamine therapy.
b. The patient may be experiencing an allergic reaction to the dobutamine.
c. The dobutamine may be causing a worsening of a pre-existing cardiac disorder.
d. The dosage of the dobutamine should be increased to better control these
symptoms.
ANS: C
Because dobutamine is a vasoactive adrenergic, it works by increasing the cardiac output in heart failure patients by increasing myocardial contractility and stroke volume. However, adrenergic drugs may precipitate a myocardial infarction, especially in patients with a pre-existing cardiac disorder.
A 14-year-old female patient has been treated for asthma for almost 4 months. Two weeks ago, she was given salmeterol xinafoate as part of her medication regimen. However, her mother has called the clinic to report that it does not seem to work when her daughter is experiencing acute symptoms. What does the nurse think in response to the mother’s concerns?
a. It takes time for a therapeutic response to develop.
b. The patient is too young for this particular medication; it should be changed.
c. The patient should take up to two puffs every 4 hours to ensure adequate blood
levels.
d. Salmeterol is indicated for prevention of bronchospasms; it is not to be used for
relief of acute symptoms.
ANS: D
Education about dosing is very important. The dosage is usually one puff twice daily, 12 hours apart, for maintenance effects in patients older than 12 years.
A patient is experiencing a severe anaphylactic reaction to an antibiotic. Which drug would be used to treat this condition?
a. ephedra
b. epinephrine (Adrenalin)
c. phenylephrine
d. pseudoephedrine
ANS: B
Epinephrine is the drug of choice for the treatment of anaphylaxis.
Inhaled salmeterol is indicated for which condition?
a. Acute asthma attacks
b. Nasal decongestion
c. Asthma
d. Anaphylaxis
ANS: C
Inhaled salmeterol is indicated for long-term maintenance treatment of asthma.
Adrenergic drugs that cause relaxation of the bronchi (i.e., bronchodilation) stimulate which receptors?
a. Dopaminergic receptors
b. β1-Adrenergic receptors
c. β2-Adrenergic receptors
d. α1-Adrenergic receptor
ANS: C
Stimulation of β2-adrenergic receptors results in bronchodilation.
When an older adult is taking an adrenergic drug, what must the nurse carefully monitor?
a. Blood pressure and pulse rate
b. Temperature and oxygen saturation
c. Urine output
d. Irritability and chest pain
ANS: A
Because of the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular effects of adrenergic drugs, vital signs—especially blood pressure and pulse rate—must be monitored frequently in the older adult who is taking an adrenergic drug.
Which are adrenergic receptor responses to stimulation? (Select all that apply.)
a. Dilation of bronchioles
b. Dilated pupils
c. Decreased heart rate
d. Increased heart rate
e. Increased peristaltic contractions of intestinal smooth muscle
f. Decreased motility of intestinal smooth muscle
g. Contraction of the uterine muscle
h. Increased renin secretion
ANS: A, B, D, F, G, H
Dilation of bronchioles, increased heart rate, decreased motility of intestinal smooth muscle, contraction of the uterine muscle, dilated pupils, and increased renin secretion are adrenergic receptor responses to stimulation.
