Deck 11: Drugs Affecting the Sympathetic Nervous System

Question 1

A 67-year-old man who suffers from hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has been receiving medications for both of those conditions. During his routine checkup, he tells his physician that he has experienced frequent episodes of light-headedness upon standing up. Which of the following medications is most likely responsible for these episodes?

A) Metoprolol
B) Propranolol
C) Ephedrine
D) Clonidine
E) Terazosin

Answer 1

Terazosin

Question 2

Norepinephrine is the neurotransmitter secreted by postganglionic sympathetic neurons EXCEPT FOR those that innervate:

A) Sweat glands
B) Heart
C) Blood vessels
D) Pupils
E) Pancreas

Answer 2

Sweat glands

Question 3

A 63-year-old man is experiencing an acute exacerbation of his congestive heart failure in the intensive care unit. Among other treatments, the physicians have decided to start a drug infusion that will increase the contractility of his heart while having a minimal effect on his systemic vascular resistance. Which of the following would be the best option?

A) Epinephrine
B) Dobutamine
C) Isoproteronol
D) Norepinephrine
E) Phenylephrine

Answer 3

Dobutamine