Chapter 19: 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
c. The sympathetic nervous system
When an adrenergic drug stimulates 1-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
a. Inotropic
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
a. Increased heart rate
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
b. Increased blood pressure
Which condition is an indication for epinephrine (Adrenalin®)?
a. Severe hypertension
b. Conjunctival congestion
c. Acute asthma attacks
d. Heart failure
c. Acute asthma attacks
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
d. dopamine hydrochloride
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.
c. The dobutamine may be causing a worsening of 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.
d. Salmeterol is indicated for prevention of bronchospasms; it is not to be used for
relief of acute symptoms.
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
b. epinephrine (Adrenalin)
Inhaled salmeterol is indicated for which condition?
a. Acute asthma attacks
b. Nasal decongestion
c. Asthma
d. Anaphylaxis
c. Asthma
Adrenergic drugs that cause relaxation of the bronchi (i.e., bronchodilation) stimulate which receptors? a. Dopaminergic receptors b. B1-Adrenergic receptors c. B2-Adrenergic receptors d. a1-Adrenergic receptors
c. B2-Adrenergic receptors
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
a. Blood pressure and pulse rate
