Deck 13: Adrenergic Drugs Affecting the Autonomic Nervous System

Question 1

A client has been prescribed an adrenergic nasal spray. Which information should the nurse include in the teaching? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A) "Do not share this spray with anyone."
B) "Sit upright while using this spray."
C) "Only use this spray for 3-5 days."
D) "Do not shake the bottle before using this spray."
E) "Keep this spray refrigerated."

Answer 1

"Do not share this spray with anyone."
"Sit upright while using this spray."
"Only use this spray for 3-5 days."

Question 2

A client has been prescribed phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine) spray for nasal congestion. Which information about adverse effects should the nurse provide in discharge teaching? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A) "This drug may cause some stinging or burning in your nose."
B) "You may notice that your nasal secretions take on a slightly orange tint."
C) "You may feel like your blood pressure is low for the first few times you use this spray."
D) "Rebound congestion may occur if the prescription is used more than a few days."
E) "Do not drink herbal teas while taking this medication."

Answer 2

"This drug may cause some stinging or burning in your nose."
"Rebound congestion may occur if the prescription is used more than a few days."

Question 3

The nurse has provided the education for the client prescribed atenolol (Tenormin). Which statement made by the client indicates an understanding of the information?

A) "I need to take my pulse every day."
B) "If I have any side effects, I will stop the medication."
C) "I cannot take this drug if I develop glaucoma."
D) "I cannot continue to have my morning cup of coffee."

Answer 3

"I need to take my pulse every day."

Question 4

Which client conditions should the nurse anticipate to be treated with a beta2 agonists? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A) Heart failure
B) Asthma
C) COPD
D) Overactive bladder
E) Nasal congestion

Question 5

A client is prescribed prazosin (Minipress). Which information should the nurse include in the client education?

A) Instruct the client to not take OTC herbal preparations containing saw palmetto.
B) Instruct the client to not take tub baths.
C) Instruct the client to decrease his intake of sodium.
D) Instruct the client to wear sunglasses when outdoors.

Question 6

Which statement is accurate concerning drugs classified as adrenergic antagonists?

A) They are also known as anticholinergics.
B) The actions will block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
C) The actions are the opposite of those of sympathomimetics.
D) They will stimulate the sympathetic nervous system.

Question 7

A client has been prescribed isoproterenol (Isuprel). The nurse understands that which receptors will be stimulated? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A) Alpha1
B) Alpha2
C) Beta1
D) Beta2
E) Beta3

Question 8

The nurse is reviewing routine medications for a client prescribed phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine). Which medications are most concerning? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A) MAO inhibitors
B) Tricyclic antidepressants
C) Iron supplements
D) Digoxin
E) Aspirin

Question 9

An older adult has received adrenergic eye drops prior to a retinal exam. Which information should the nurse include in the client's discharge teaching? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A) "Do not drive until the effects of the eye drops have worn off."
B) "Wear sunglasses when in bright light."
C) "You may be more comfortable in a darkened room."
D) "You may experience burning in your eyes for a couple of days."
E) "Do not eat or drink anything for at least an hour after discharge."

Question 10

The nurse has provided teaching about the use of an auto injection of epinephrine. Which statement made by the client indicates further teaching is required?

A) "I will call 911 before I inject the epinephrine."
B) "I will use my auto-injector immediately if I think I am having an allergic reaction."
C) "I will make sure I have my auto-injector available at all times."
D) "I will notify my healthcare provider after I inject the epinephrine."

Question 11

The nurse is preparing to administer an adrenergic drug intravenously. Which should the nurse include in the plan of care? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A) Give the drug as rapidly as possible by intravenous push.
B) Dilute the drug before administration.
C) Use an infusion pump to control rate of administration.
D) Monitor for blanching at the infusion site.
E) Advise the patient that a sweet taste may occur as the drug is being given.

Question 12

The client receives methyldopa (Aldomet). Which statement below indicates the patient is experiencing side effects?

A) "Will you check my pupils? I can't see very well at all."
B) "I am so thirsty; will you please bring me another pitcher of water?"
C) "I am so anxious; I really need to walk around the room."
D) "I feel so sleepy that I don't think I can eat my dinner."

Question 13

The nurse notes that a client prescribed carteolol (Cartrol), routinely takes metaproterenol (Alupent). Which should the nurse be concerned with?

A) The client is at risk for a hypertensive crisis.
B) The effects of metaproterenol (Alupent) will be decreased.
C) The drugs are compatible; there will not be any adverse effects.
D) The effects of metaproterenol (Alupent) will be increased.

Question 14

Which substance is used in the initial production of catecholamines?

A) Norepinephrine
B) Tyrosine
C) Dopamine
D) L-dopa

Question 15

A client who has used an adrenergic nasal spray for 2 weeks states to the nurse, "I am more stuffed up now than I was when I was sick." Which information should the nurse provide the patient? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A) "You are having an allergic reaction to the nasal spray. Stop using it immediately."
B) "You probably have developed a secondary infection."
C) "Try increasing the amount of fluids you are drinking."
D) "Switch to a saline-based nasal spray."
E) "Continue to use your current nasal spray until the congestion goes away."

Question 16

The nurse is preparing to provide instructions on the use of an epinephrine auto-injector. Which information should the nurse include? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A) If you need to use this pen, seek medical advice as follow-up.
B) You can dispose of a used EpiPen in your regular trash.
C) Keep an extra EpiPen on hand.
D) Store this device in your refrigerator.
E) Carry an EpiPen in your car's glovebox.

Question 17

A client has been prescribed an alpha1 adrenergic agonist drug. The nurse would plan to monitor for effects from which organs? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A) Kidneys
B) Eyes
C) Heart
D) Bowels
E) Lungs

Question 18

A client recently prescribed an adrenergic drug states to the nurse, "I am so nervous and I cannot sleep." Based on the client's statement, which questions should the nurse ask? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A) "How much coffee do you drink?"
B) "Have you recently increased your intake of dairy products?"
C) "Do you eat chocolate?"
D) "When was the last time you ate pickled foods or aged cheese?"
E) "How much wine or other alcoholic beverages do you drink?"

Question 19

A client who is in heart failure is administered a beta1 agonist. Which assessment finding indicates the prescription is effective? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A) Heart rate increases
B) Pulse becomes stronger
C) Pupils dilate
D) Dysrhythmias dissipate
E) Blood pressure drops

Question 20

A client is prescribed a drug that activates alpha2 receptors. Which physiological response should the nurse anticipate when planning care for the client?

A) Inhibition of norepinephrine release
B) Absence of monoamine oxidase
C) Increased lipolysis
D) Destruction of presynaptic nerve terminals

Question 21

A client with preexisting conditions states to the nurse, "I took my blood pressure at home and it was high so I have been taking my husband's propranolol (Inderal) for the last week." Based on the client's statement, which preexisting conditions should the nurse be most concerned with? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A) Obesity
B) Diabetes mellitus
C) COPD
D) Asthma
E) Rheumatoid arthritis

Question 22

A client has been prescribed prazosin (Minipress). Which information should the nurse provide? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A) "Stay out of the sun until you determine if you become sun-sensitive."
B) "Take this medication just before you go to bed."
C) "This medication may make you dizzy."
D) "This medication may slow your heart rate noticeably."
E) "Do not take this medication with milk."

Question 23

A client has returned to the clinic for follow-up after being prescribed an adrenergic-blocking medication for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH.) Which assessment questions should the nurse ask? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A) "What color is your urine?"
B) "Do you have any difficulty starting to urinate?"
C) "Do you have the feeling that your bladder is full?"
D) "When was your last bowel movement?"
E) "Have you noticed being more hungry than usual?"

Question 24

The nurse should classify which sympathomimetics as binding to and activating adrenergic receptors? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A) Epinephrine
B) Dopamine
C) Amphetamine
D) Cocaine
E) Ephedrine

Question 25

A client states to the nurse, "I stopped taking that beta blocker last week because it made me so tired." Which are the priority nursing assessments? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A) Blood pressure
B) Heart rhythm
C) Urinary output
D) Presence of chest pain
E) Presence of respiratory crackles

Question 26

A client is being assessed for the presence of pheochromocytoma. Which interventions should the nurse implement? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A) Monitoring blood pressure
B) Monitoring bowel sounds
C) Administration of phentolamine (Regitine)
D) Rapid administration of normal saline
E) Urinary catheterization to bypass prostatic enlargement

Question 27

A client who was administered prazosin (Minipress) became unconscious 30 minutes after the first dose. Which prescriptions should the nurse prepare for resuscitation? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A) Normal saline
B) Dobutamine
C) Atenolol (Tenormin)
D) Carvedilol (Coreg)
E) Propranolol (Inderal)

Question 28

A client has been prescribed an adrenergic-blocker for treatment of hypertension. Which information should the nurse provide? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A) "Rise from a sitting position slowly."
B) "Sit on the side of the bed a few moments before you stand."
C) "If you feel dizzy, add more salt to your diet."
D) "If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down until the dizziness passes."
E) "Dizziness is expected so just continue your daily activities."

Question 29

A 48-year-old male client tells the nurse he wants to stop taking his prazosin (Minipress). Which questions should the nurse ask the client? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A) "Are you experiencing impotence?"
B) "Are you experiencing nasal congestion?"
C) "Do you feel tired?"
D) "Do you feel nervousness?"
E) "Do you feel like you heart rate slows down?"

Question 30

The nurse suspects a client has received too much phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine). Which findings support the nurse's suspicion? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A) The client's heart rate has increased from 72 bpm to 114 bpm.
B) The client reports feeling anxious.
C) The client's blood pressure has increased from 140/86 mmHg to 180/98 mmHg.
D) The client's stools are dark and tarry.
E) The client reports burning at the injection site.