Adreneric Agonists - Sympathomimetics

Question 1

Organs Affected & Effect- CNS

Answer 1

Eyes- dilated pupils; increased IOP
Lungs- dilated bronchioles
HR- increased
Blood vessels-  constricted
Blood Pressure- increased
GI- relaxed/decreased gastric secretions/motility
Bladder- relaxed/decreased urination
Uterus- relaxed/decreased contractions
Liver- releases glucose; increased GGL

Question 2

Epinephrine- mechanism of action

Answer 2

Activates the sympathetic nervous system
increased BP/HR; promotes bronchodilation
Remember: Beta 1: 1 heart- beta 1 affects the heart
Beta 2: 2 lungs- beta 2 affects the lungs

Question 3

Epinephrine- Indications (for Adrenergic Agonists)

Answer 3

asthma & bronchospasm
severe hypotension, cardiac arrest
allergic reaction, ANAPHYLAXIS
nasal congestion

Question 4

Epinephrine (for Adrenergic Agonists)- S.E.

Answer 4

GI disturbances
sweating
HA
insomnia
dizziness
agitation
anxiety

Question 5

Epinephrine- for Adrenergic Agonist

Adverse Reactions:

Answer 5

hyperglycemia
palms
tachycardia
HTN
necrosis of IV (out of vein)

Question 6

Epinephrine- for Adrenergic Agonist

Contraindications

Answer 6

tachycardia
glaucoma
labor

Question 7

Epinephrine- for Adrenergic Agonist

Caution:

Answer 7

HTN
BPN
DM

Question 8

Epinephrine- for Adrenergic Agonist

Interactions:

Answer 8

MAOIs
Tricyclic Antidepressants
digoxin
lab: increased BGL

Question 9

Albuterol- for Adrenergic Agonist

Mechanism of Action:

Answer 9

Selective to Beta 2 adrenergic receptors

Relaxes smooth muscle- promotes bronchodilation

Question 10

Albuterol- for Adrenergic Agonist

Indications:

Answer 10

bronchospasm
asthma
COPD
bronchitis

Question 11

Albuterol- for Adrenergic Agonist

S.E.:

Answer 11

tremors
nervousness
insomnia
GI upset
sweating

Question 12

Albuterol- for Adrenergic Agonist

Adverse Reactions:

Answer 12

HTN
tachycardia
palps
hyperglycemia

Question 13

Albuterol- for Adrenergic Agonist

Contraindications:

Answer 13

allergy

Question 14

Albuterol- for Adrenergic Agonist

Caution:

Answer 14

Cardiac problems
HTN
hyperthyroidism
diabetes
renal dysfunction

Question 15

Albuterol- for Adrenergic Agonist

Interactions:

Answer 15

Others drugs that increase BP/HR
antagonist effect w/ other drugs that lower BP/HR
Lab: may increase glucose levels

Question 16

Nursing Process: Adrenergic Agonists (ex: epinephrine; albuterol)
Assessment:

Answer 16

Baseline V.S. - prior to admin drugs
take med hx- include current meds, why are they on these meds?
What sis is pt having?
baseline BGL- these meds can increase BGL
listen to lung sounds

Question 17

Nursing Process: Adrenergic Agonists (ex: epinephrine; albuterol)
Interventions:

Answer 17

Monitor BP/HR
Monitor Urine output
IVP admin of Epinephrine: push SLOWLY (unless pt is in cardiac arrest); monitor IV site
monitor BGL
If pt’s HR is steadily running > 100: report tachycardia
Urine output: drug can affect kidneys d/t vasoconstriction
Pt needs to be on cardiac monitor- monitor HR
Albuterol/epinephrine: can give w/ food
Monitor BGL- especially diabetic pt

Question 18

Nursing Process: Adrenergic Agonists (ex: epinephrine; albuterol)
Pt Teaching:

Answer 18

Be sure pt understands how to use the drugs.
Avoid breastfeeding while taking these drugs.
Take only as directed.
Only take nasal sprays for few days- d/t rebound effect.
Teach s.e./adverse reactions: pt to report significant elevated BP/HR
Do NOT take cold meds or diet pills when on adrenergics.