Question 1

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 pre-existing cardiac disorder.
D) The dosage of the dobutamine needs to be increased to control the symptoms better.

Accepted Answer

The patient's symptoms suggest that the dobutamine may be causing a worsening of her pre-existing cardiac disorder, such as tachycardia and hypertension. These are not normal adverse effects of dobutamine therapy and may indicate that the medication needs to be adjusted or discontinued. Allergic reactions to dobutamine are rare and are not typically accompanied by chest tightness or anxiety. Increasing the dosage would likely worsen the symptoms and could be dangerous.

Question 2

When a patient is taking an adrenergic drug,the nurse expects to observe which effect?&#10;A) Increased heart rate&#10;B) Bronchial constriction&#10;C) Constricted pupils&#10;D) Increased intestinal peristalsis

Accepted Answer

Adrenergic drugs, also known as sympathomimetics, mimic the effects of the sympathetic nervous system. This leads to increased heart rate, among other possible effects such as dilation of bronchi, dilated pupils, and decreased intestinal peristalsis.

Question 3

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?&#10;A) Ephedra&#10;B) Epinephrine&#10;C) Phenylephrine&#10;D) Pseudoephedrine

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine is the drug of choice for treating severe anaphylactic reactions. It works by increasing heart rate, constriction of blood vessels, and relaxing smooth muscle in the lungs to ease breathing. Ephedra, phenylephrine, and pseudoephedrine are not indicated for the treatment of anaphylaxis.

Question 4

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?&#10;A) Volume restoration&#10;B) Increased cardiac output&#10;C) Decreased urine output&#10;D) Reduced anxiety

Accepted Answer

Adrenergic agonists stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased heart rate and myocardial contractility, which results in an increased cardiac output. Volume restoration, decreased urine output, and reduced anxiety are not primary intended effects of adrenergic agonists.

Question 5

The nurse is aware that adrenergic drugs produce effects similar to which of these nervous systems?&#10;A) Central nervous system&#10;B) Somatic nervous system&#10;C) Sympathetic nervous system&#10;D) Parasympathetic nervous system

Accepted Answer

Adrenergic drugs produce effects similar to the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the "fight or flight" response. These drugs activate the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline, leading to increased heart rate, blood pressure, and overall arousal.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Beta₂ adrenergic receptors, when stimulated, cause relaxation of the bronchial muscles leading to bronchodilation.

Question 7

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."

Accepted Answer

Salmeterol is a long-acting beta-agonist medication that is indicated for prevention of bronchospasms rather than relief of acute symptoms. Therefore, it is not designed to provide immediate relief during an asthma attack. The nurse should educate the patient and her mother about the appropriate use of salmeterol and emphasize the need to continue using a quick-relief medication such as albuterol for acute symptoms.

Question 8

The nurse is administering a stat dose of epinephrine.Epinephrine is appropriate for which situation?&#10;A) Severe hypertension&#10;B) Angina&#10;C) Cardiac arrest&#10;D) Tachycardia

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine is commonly used in cardiac arrest situations to stimulate the heart and increase blood pressure. It is not typically used for hypertension, angina, or tachycardia.

Question 9

When an adrenergic drug stimulates beta₁-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

Accepted Answer

Stimulation of beta1-adrenergic receptors results in an increased force of contraction of the heart muscle, which is known as a positive inotropic effect. Choice B) Anti-adrenergic and C) Negative dromotropic do not describe the effect of beta1 stimulation, and choice D) Positive chronotropic refers to an increased heart rate, which is not specifically related to beta1 stimulation.

Question 10

The nurse is preparing to administer dopamine.Which is the correct technique for administering dopamine?&#10;A) Orally&#10;B) Intravenous (IV)push injection&#10;C) Intermittent IV infusions (IV piggyback)&#10;D) Continuous IV infusion with an infusion pump

Accepted Answer

Dopamine is typically administered through a continuous IV infusion using an infusion pump. This allows for precise control of the rate of administration and ensures a consistent level of dopamine in the bloodstream. The other options (A, B, and C) are not appropriate methods for administering dopamine.

Question 11

The nurse is to administer epinephrine 0.3 mg subcutaneously.The ampule contains 1 mL of medication and is labeled &#34;Epinephrine 1:1000.&#34; Identify how many milliliters of epinephrine will the nurse give._______

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is to administer epinephrine 0.3...

Deck 18: Adrenergic Drugs