Deck 18: Adrenergic Drugs

Question 1

When an adrenergic drug stimulates beta?-adrenergic receptors, the result is an increased force of contraction, which is known as what type of effect?

A) Positive inotropic
B) Anti-adrenergic
C) Negative dromotropic
D) Positive chronotropic

Answer 1

Positive inotropic

Question 2

A patient is receiving a moderate-level dose of dobutamine for shock and is complaining of feeling more "skipping beats" than yesterday. What is the nurse's next action?

A) Assess the patient's vital signs and cardiac rhythm.
B) Discontinue the dobutamine immediately.
C) Titrate the rate to a higher dose to reduce the palpitations.
D) Monitor for other signs of a therapeutic response to the drug.

Answer 2

Discontinue the dobutamine immediately.

Question 3

The nurse is to administer epinephrine 0.3 mg subcutaneously. The ampule contains 1 mL of medication and is labeled "Epinephrine 1:1000." How many milliliters of epinephrine will the nurse give?

Answer 3

0.3 mL
Note that 1:1000 indicates 1 gram per 1000 mL or 1000 mg per 1000 mL, which is a concentration of 1 mg/mL.
1 mg : 1 mL :: 0.3 mg : x mL
(1 × x) = (1 × 0.3); 1x = 0.3; x = 0.3; give 0.3 mL

Question 4

When a patient is taking an adrenergic drug, the nurse expects to observe which effect?

A) Increased heart rate
B) Bronchial constriction
C) Constricted pupils
D) Increased intestinal peristalsis

Question 5

The nurse is aware that adrenergic drugs produce effects similar to which of these nervous systems?

A) Central nervous system
B) Somatic nervous system
C) Sympathetic nervous system
D) Parasympathetic nervous system

Question 6

The nurse is preparing to administer dopamine. Which is the correct technique for administering dopamine?

A) Orally
B) Intravenous (IV) push injection
C) Intermittent IV infusions (IV piggyback)
D) Continuous IV infusion with an infusion pump

Question 7

An adrenergic agonist is ordered for a patient in shock. The nurse will note that this drug has had its primary intended effect if which expected outcome occurs?

A) Volume restoration
B) Increased blood pressure
C) Decreased urine output
D) Reduced anxiety

Question 8

A hospitalized patient is experiencing a severe anaphylactic reaction to a dose of intravenous penicillin. Which drug will the nurse expect to use to treat this condition?

A) Ephedra
B) Epinephrine
C) Phenylephrine
D) Pseudoephedrine

Question 9

The nurse is presenting information to a class of students about adrenergic drugs. Which are effects of drugs that stimulate the sympathetic nervous system? (Select all that apply.)

A) Dilation of bronchioles
B) Constriction of bronchioles
C) Decreased heart rate
D) Increased heart rate
E) Dilated pupils
F) Constricted pupils
G) Glycogenolysis

Question 10

The nurse is administering a stat dose of epinephrine. Epinephrine is appropriate for which situation?

A) Severe hypertension
B) Angina
C) Cardiac arrest
D) Tachycardia

Question 11

The nurse recognizes that adrenergic drugs cause relaxation of the bronchi and bronchodilation by stimulating which type of receptors?

A) Dopaminergic
B) Beta1-adrenergic
C) Beta2-adrenergic
D) Alpha1-adrenergic

Question 12

A 14-year-old patient has been treated for asthma for almost 4 months. Two weeks ago, she was given salmeterol 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 having an asthma attack. Which response by the nurse is appropriate?

A) "It takes time for a therapeutic response to develop."
B) "She is too young for this particular medication; it will be changed."
C) "She needs to take up to two puffs every 4 hours to ensure adequate blood levels."
D) "This medication is indicated for prevention of bronchospasms, not for relief of acute symptoms."

Question 13

A patient is on a low-dose dobutamine drip for heart failure. She had been feeling better but now has a sense of tightness in her chest, palpitations, and a bit of anxiety. Her heart rate is up to 110 per minute, and her blood pressure is 150/98 mm Hg (increased from previous readings of 86 per minute and 120/80 mm Hg). What is the nurse's immediate concern for this patient?

A) She is experiencing normal adverse effects of dobutamine therapy.
B) She may be experiencing an allergic reaction to the dobutamine.
C) The medication may be causing a worsening of a preexisting cardiac disorder.
D) The dosage of the dobutamine needs to be increased to control the symptoms better.