Lilley Chapters 18-29 Flashcards
drugs that stimulate and mimic the actions of the sympathetic nervous system
adrenergic agonists
receptor sites for the sympathetic neurotransmitters norepinephrine and epinephrine
adrenergic receptors
bodily functions that are involuntary and result from the physiologic activity of the autonomic nervous system
autonomic functions
two divisions of the autonomic nervous system
sympathetic and parasympathetic
a branch of the peripheral nervous system that controls autonomic bodily functions
autonomic nervous system
Beta1-adrenergic receptors are located primarily in
the heart
Beta 2 adrenergic receptors are located in
the smooth muscle fibers of the bronchioles, arterioles, and visceral organs
substances that can produce a sympathetic response
catecholamines
an increase in heart rate
positive chronotropic effect
an increase in the conduction of cardiac electrical impulses through the atrioventricular node, which results in the transfer of nerve action potential from the atria to the ventricles.
positive dromotropic effect
an increase in the force of contraction of the heart muscle
positive inotropic effect
drugs used therapeutically that mimic the catecholamines epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine
sympathomimetics/ adrenergic agonists
the space either between two adjacent nerve cell membranes or between a nerve cell membran and an effector organ cell membrane
synaptic cleft
The nurse caring for a patient who is receiving beta 1 agonist drug therapy needs to be aware that hes drugs cause which effect?
a. Increased cardiac contractility
b. decreased heart rate
c. bronchoconstriction
d. increased GI tract motility
A. increased cardiac contractility
During a teaching session for a patient who is receiving inhaled salmeterol, the nurse emphasizes that the drug is indicated for which condition?
a. rescue treatment of acute bronchospasms
b. prevention of bronchospasms
c. reduction of airway inflammations
d. long term treatment of sinus congestion
B. prevention of bronchospasms
For a patient receiving a vasoactive drug such as intravenous dopamine, which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
a. monitor the gravity drip infusion closely, and adjust as needed
b. assess the patient’s cardiac function by checking the radial pulse
c. assess the intravenous site hourly for possible infiltration
d. administer the drug by intravenous boluses according to the patient’s blood pressure
C. assess the intravenous site hourly for possible infiltration
A patient is receiving dobutamine for shock and is complaining of feeling more skipping beats than yesterday. What will the nurse do next?
a. monitor for other signs of a therapeutic response to the drug
b. titrate the drug to a higher dose to reduce the palpitations
c. discontinue the dobutamine immediately
d. assess the patient’s vital signs and cardiac rhythm.
D. assess the patient’s vital signs and cardiac rhythm
When a drug is characterized as having a negative chronotropic effect, the nurse knows to expect which effect?
a. reduced blood pressure
b. decreased heart rate
c. decreased etopic beats
d. increased force of cardiac contractions
B. decreased heart rate
The nurse is monitoring a patient who is receiving an infusion of a beta-adrenergic agonist. Which adverse effects may occur with this infusion?
a. mild tremors
b. bradycardia
c. tachycardia
d. palpitations
e. drowsiness
f. nervousness
A,C,D,F
The order reads: “Dopamine 3 mcg/kg/min IV” The solution available is 400mg in 250mL D5W, and the patient weighs 176 pounds. The nurse will set the IV infusion pump to run at how many mL/hour?
9mL/hr
decreased amount of oxygen delivered to the extremities, causing the feet or hands to turn blue
acrocyanosis
specific receptor site throughout the body for the endogenous sympathetic neurotransmitters norepinephrine and epinephrine
adrenergic receptors
drugs with a specific receptor affinity that mimic the body’s natural chemicals
agonists
paroxysmal (sudden) chest pain caused by myocardial ischemia
angina
drugs that bind to specific receptors and inhibit or block the response of the receptors
antagonists
irregular heart rhythms
dysrhythmias
the leaking of fluid from a blood vessel into the surrounding tissues, as in the case of an inflitrated intraveous infusion
extravasation
severe and sudden drop in blood pressure after the administration of the first dose of an alpha-adrenergic blocker
first dose phenomenon
the paradoxial action of some beta-blocking drugs that mimic the action of the sympathetic nervous system
intrinsic sympathomimetic activity
the chemical attraction of substance to lipid or fat molecules
lipopphilicity
a sudden drop in blood pressure when a person stands up
orthostatic hypotension
a vascular edrenal gland tumor that is usually benign but secretes E and NE, and thus often causes CNS stimulation and substantial blood pressure elevation
pheochromocytoma
a narrowing of small arteries that limits the amount of blood circulation to the extremities causing numbness of the nose, fingers, toes, and ears in response to cold temperatures or stress
Raynaud’s disease
drugs that inhibit the postganglionic functioning of the sympathetic nervous system
sympatholytics
When a patient has experienced extravasation of a peripheral infusion of dopamine, the nurse will inject the aplha blocker phentolamine (Regitine) into the area of extravasation and expect which effect?
a. vasoconstriction
b. vasodilation
c. analgesia
d. hypotension
B. vasodilation
When administering beta blockers, the nurse will follow which guideline for administration and monitoring?
a. the drug may be discontinued at any time
b. postural hypotension rarely occurs with this drug
c. tapering off the medication is necessary to prevent rebound hypertension
d. the patient needs to stop taking the medication at once if he/she gains 3-4 pounds in a week.
C. tapering off the medication is necessary to prevent rebound hypertension
The nurse providing teaching for a patient who has a new prescription for beta 1 blockers will keep in mind that these drugs may result in which effect?
a. tachycardia
b. tachypnea
c. bradycardia
d. bradypnea
C. bradycardia
A patient who has recently had a myocardial infarction has started therapy with a beta blocker. The nurse explains that the main purpose of the beta blocker for this patient is to
a. cause vasodilations of the coronary arteries
b. prevent hypertension
c. increase conduction through the SA node
d. protect the heart from circulating catecholamines
D. protect the heart from circulating catecholamines
Before initiating therapy with a nonselective beta blocker, the nurse will assess the patient for a history of which condition?
a. hypertension
b. liver disease
c. pancreatitis
d. asthma
D. asthma
A patient is taking an alpha blocker as treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia. The nurse will monitor for which potential drug effects?
a. orthostatic hypotension
b. increased blood pressure
c. increased urine flow
d. headaches
e. bradycardia
A,C,D
the neurotransmitter responsible for transmission of nerve impulses to effector cells in the parasympathetic nervous system
acetylcholine
the enzyme responsible for the breakdown of acetylcholine
cholinesterase
a lack of muscle tone
atony
severe muscle weakness and respiratory paralysis due to excessive acetylcholine
Cholinergic crisis
a nerve receptor that is stimulated by acetylcholine
cholinergic receptor
the contraction of the pupil
miosis
cholinergic receptors located in ganglia of both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
nicotinic receptors
The nurse is reviewing the use of bethanechol in a patient who is experiencing postoperative urinary retention. Which statement best describes the mechanism of action of bethaechol?
a. it causes decreased bladder tone and motility
b. it causes increased bladder tone and motility
c. it increases the sensation of a full bladder
d. it causes the sphincters in the bladder to become tighter
B. it causes increased bladder tone and motility
The family of a patient who has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease is asking about the new drug prescribed to treat the disease. The wife says I’m so excited that there are drugs that can cure this disease! Which reply from the nurse is appropriate?
a. the sooner he starts the medicine, the sooner it can have this effect.
b. these effects won’t be seen for a few months
c. these drugs don’t cure AD. let’s talk about what the physician said to expect from drug therapy.
d. his response to this drug therapy will depend on how far along he is in the disease process.
C. These drugs don’t cure AD. Let’s talk about what the physician said to expect from drug therapy
The nurse is giving a dose of bethanechol to a postoperative patient. The nurse is aware that contraindications to bethanechol include:
a. bladder atony
b. peptic ulcer
c. urinary retention
d. hypothyroidism
B. peptic ulcer
A patient took an accidental overdose of a cholinergic drug while at home. He comes to the ED with severe abdominal cramping and bloody diarrhea. The nurse expects that which drug will be used to treat this patient?
a. atropine
b. physostigmine
c. bethanechol
d. phentolamine
A. atropine
The nurse is reviewing the orders for a newly admitted patient and sees an order for edrophonium. The nurse expects that this drug is ordered for which reason?
a. to reduce the symptoms and delay the onset of AD
b. to treat the symptoms of myasthenia gravis
c. to aid in the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis
d. to reverse the effects of nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking drugs after surgery
C. to aid in the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis
When giving intravenous cholinergic drugs, the nurse must watch for symptoms of a cholinergic crisis, such as:
a. peripheral tingling
b. hypotension
c. dry mouth
d. syncope
e. dyspnea
f. tinnitus
B,D,E
drugs that block the action of acetylcholine and substances similar to acetylcholine at receptor sites in the synapse
cholinergic blocking drugs
dilaiton of the pupil of the eye caused by contraction of the dilator muscle of the iris
mydriasis
drugs that reduce the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system/ also called anticholinergics
parasympatholytics
The nurse is providing education about cholinergic blocking drug therapy to an elderly patient. Which is an important point to emphasize for this patient?
a. avoid exposures to high temperatures
b. limit liquid intake to avoid fluid overload
c. begin an exercise program to avoid adverse effects
d. stop the medication if excessive mouth dryness occurs.
A. avoid exposures to high temperatures
The nurse is giving a cholinergic-blocking drug and will assess the patient for which contraindications to these drugs?
a. chronic bronchitis
b. peptic ulcer disease
c. irritable bowel syndrome
d. benign prostatic hyperplasia
D. benign prostatic hyperplasia
When assessing for adverse effects of cholinergic blocking drug therapy, the nurse would expect to find that the patient complains of which drug effect?
a. diaphoresis
b. dry mouth
c. diarrhea
d. urinary frequency
B. dry mouth
The nurse administering a cholinergic blocking drug to a patient who is experiencing drug induced extrapyramidal effects would assess for which therapeutic effect?
a. decreased muscle rigidity and tremors
b. increased heart rate
c. decreased bronchial secretions
d. decreased GI motility and peristalsis
A. decreased muscle rigidity and tremors
During the assessment of a patient about to receive a cholinergic blocking drug, the nurse will determine whether the patient is taking any drugs that may potentially interact with the anticholinergic, including
a. opiods, such as morphine sulfate
b. antibiotics such as penicillin
c. tricylic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline
d. anticonvulsants, such as phenobarbitol
C. tricylic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline
A patient has been given a prescription for transdermal scopolamine patches for motion sickness for use during a vacation cruise. The nurse will include which instructions?
a. apply the patch as soon as you board the ship
b. apply the patch 3 to 4 hours before boarding the ship
c. the patch needs to be placed on a nonhairy area on your upper chest or upper arm
d. the patch need to be placed on a nonhairy area behind your ear.
e. change the patch every 3 days
f. rotate the application sites
B,D,E,F
drugs that primarily cause arterial and venous dilation through their action on peripheral sympathetic neurons
alpha 1 blockers
medications used to treat hypertension
antihypertensive drugs
the amount of blood ejected from the left ventricle, measured in liters per minute
cardiac output
drugs that modify the function of the sympathetic nervous system in the brain by stimulating alpha 2 receptors.
centrally acting adrenergic drugs
elevated systemic arterial pressure for which no cause can be found
essential/ primary or idiopathic hypertension
a common often asymptomatic disorder in which systolic blood pressure persistently exceeds 140 mm Hg, and/or diastolic pressure exceeds 90 mm Hg
hypertension
a common adverse effect of adrenergic blocking drugs involving a sudden drop in blood pressure when a person changes position, especially when rising from a seated or horizontal position
orthostatic hypotension
a drug that is inactive in its given form, and which must be metabolized to its active form in the body, generally by the liver, to be effective
prodrug
high blood pressure caused by another disease such as renal, pulmonary, endocrine, or vascular disease
secondary hypertension
The nurse is administering antihypertensive drugs to older adult patients. The nurse knows that which adverse effect is of most concern for these patients?
a. dry mouth
b. hypotension
c. restlessness
d. constipation
B. hypotension
When giving antihypertensive drugs, the nurse will consider giving the first dose at bedtime for which class of drugs?
a. alpha blockers, such as doxazosin
b. diruetics such as furoesemide
c. ACE inhibitors such as captopril
d. vasodilators such as hydralazine
A, alpha blockers, such as doxazosin
A 56 year old man started antihypertensive drug therapy 3 months earlier and is in the office for a follow up visit. While the nurse is taking his blood pressure, he informs the nurse that he has had some problems with sexual intercourse. Which would be the most appropriate response by the nurse?
a. Not to worry. Eventually tolerance will develop
b. The physician can work with you on changing the dose and/or drugs.
c. Sexual dysfunction happens with this therapy, and you will learn to accept it.
d. This is an unusual occurence, but it is important to stay on your medications
B. The physician can work with you on changing the dose and/or drugs.
When a patient is being taught about the potential adverse effects of ACE inhibitor, which of these effects should the nurse mention as possibly occurring when this drug is taken to treat hypertension?
a. diarrhea
b. nausea
c. dry, nonproductive cough
d. sedation
C. dry, nonproductive cough
A patient has a new prescription for an ACE inhibitor. During a review of the patient’s list of current medications, which would cause concern for a posusible interaction with this new prescription?
a. benzodiasepine taken as needed for allergies
b. a potassium supplement taken daily
c. an oral anticoagulant taken daily
d. an opioid used for occasional severe pain
e. an NSAID taken as needed for headaches
B & E
Chest pain that occurs when the heart’s supply of blood carrying oxygen is insufficient to meet the demands of the heart
angina pectoris
a common form of arteriosclerosis involving deposits of fattty, cholestrol-containing material within arterial walls
athersclerosis
chest pain that is primarily caused by athersclerosis, which results from long term but relatively stable level of obstruction in one or more coronary arteries
chronic stable angina
arteries that deliver oxygen to the heart muscle
coronary arteries
any one of the abnormal conditions that can affect the arteries of the heart and produce various pathologic effects, especially a reduced supply of oxygen and nutients to the myocardium
coronary artery disease
poor blood supply to an organ
ischemia
poor blood supply to the heart via the coronary arteries
ischemic heart disease
necrosis of the myocardium following interuption of blood supply - it is almost always caused by atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries
myocardial infarction