Deck 18: Adrenergic Agonists and Adrenergic Blockers

Question 1

The client has been ordered to receive a beta-adrenergic blocker. The nurse should anticipate that the client will exhibit:

A) increased pulse rate and bronchoconstriction.
B) decreased pulse rate and bronchodilation.
C) increased pulse rate and bronchodilation.
D) decreased pulse rate and bronchoconstriction.

Answer 1

decreased pulse rate and bronchoconstriction.

Question 2

A nurse is teaching a client how to use phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine) nasal spray. To avoid systemic absorption, the nurse teaches the client to:

A) apply pressure to the nose after spraying.
B) administer the spray while in the supine position.
C) insert the spray while sitting up.
D) exhale deeply while injecting the nasal spray.

Answer 2

insert the spray while sitting up.

Question 3

Alpha-adrenergic blockers promote vasodilation. The nurse anticipates what expected therapeutic response from the client taking alpha-adrenergic blockers?

A) Increased blood pressure
B) Decreased blood pressure
C) Decreased pulse rate
D) Rapid respiration

Answer 3

Decreased blood pressure

Question 4

A nurse receives an order to administer epinephrine (Adrenalin) orally to a client. What is the highest priority action on the part of the nurse?

A) Call the physician to question the order.
B) Administer the medication as ordered.
C) Call the pharmacist for clarification of the order.
D) Hold the order and continue to monitor the client.

Question 5

A client with asthma is receiving metoprolol (Lopressor), a beta blocker for hypertension. The client asks if metoprolol will affect her asthma. What is the best response from the nurse?

A) "Metoprolol may cause bronchoconstriction, and is questionable if it will help decrease blood pressure."
B) "Metoprolol decreases pulse rate and thus blood pressure, but it should not have an effect on the bronchioles."
C) "Metoprolol causes bronchodilation and increased pulse rate, so refuse the drug."
D) "I'll inform the healthcare provider that you should not take metoprolol."

Question 6

The drugs that mimic the effect of norepinephrine are called:

A) sympathomimetics, or adrenergic agonists.
B) sympatholytics, or adrenergic drugs.
C) sympathomimetics, or adrenergic blockers.
D) sympatholytics, or adrenergic blockers.

Question 7

Which instruction will the nurse include in a teaching plan for a client taking metoprolol (Lopressor) for treatment of hypertension?

A) Rise slowly from a supine or sitting position.
B) Limit fluid intake while taking this drug.
C) Frequent ophthalmic exams are encouraged.
D) Use lozenges if a dry cough occurs.

Question 8

A client was stung by a bee. This is the third bee sting the client has received, and the client complains of shortness of breath. What is the adrenergic drug used in emergencies to combat a life-threatening allergic reaction?

A) Norepinephrine (Levophed)
B) Epinephrine (Adrenalin)
C) Terbutaline (Brethine)
D) Propranolol (Inderal)

Question 9

The client has been started on a treatment regimen that includes albuterol. The nurse should anticipate seeing a decrease in the client's serum _____ level.

A) calcium
B) potassium
C) magnesium
D) glucose

Question 10

The client has been placed on a therapeutic regimen that includes Regitine. She tells the nurse that she routinely takes St. John's wort for depression. What should the nurse expect to see as a result of the client taking these medications?

A) Worsening of the hypotensive effects of the Regitine
B) Client experiencing bradycardia
C) Worsening of the hypertensive effects of the Regitine
D) Client experiencing of tachycardia

Question 11

A client experiencing shortness of breath associated with asthma is given epinephrine (Adrenalin). This medication is considered a nonselective adrenergic drug because it innervates ________ receptor sites.

A) alpha-adrenergic
B) beta-adrenergic
C) alpha-, beta₁-, and beta₂-adrenergic
D) beta₁- and beta₂-adrenergic

Question 12

A nurse is infusing dopamine (Intropin) intravenously. The nurse is aware that infiltration of this medication may lead to tissue necrosis. What is an early sign of intravenous infiltration?

A) Red streak following the course of the vein
B) Swelling at the IV site
C) Warmth at the insertion site
D) Bleeding at the insertion site

Question 13

Client teaching for patients receiving beta blockers includes instructing the client:

A) to take the beta blocker when symptoms occur.
B) to have blood pressure and pulse rate checked monthly or quarterly.
C) that GI upset is a common problem and if it occurs to stop the drug.
D) not to abruptly stop taking the beta blocker because of the possible occurrence of rebound hypertension.

Question 14

The client has been started on a treatment regimen that includes atenolol. She complains to the nurse of experiencing weakness. Which is the best response from the nurse?

A) "I will hold your next dose of the medication. You are reaching a toxic level."
B) "I will increase your next dose of the medication. Your level is too low."
C) "This is an adverse reaction to the medication. I will stop the drug."
D) "This is a side effect of the medication. I will notify your physician."

Question 15

The actions of the mixed-acting sympathomimetics are _____ the adrenergic receptor sites and _____ the release of norepinephrine.

A) stimulating; inhibiting
B) stimulating; stimulating
C) inhibiting; inhibiting
D) inhibiting; stimulating

Question 16

The client comes to a health clinic asking for Sudafed. He tells the nurse that he has a history of diabetes mellitus. What is the most accurate response from the nurse?

A) "Sudafed is a safe drug to give to a client who is a diabetic."
B) "Sudafed should not be used by a client who is a diabetic."
C) "You can use Sudafed, but you must monitor your blood sugar very closely."
D) "You can use Sudafed, but you will probably experience hypoglycemia."

Question 17

Albuterol sulfate (Proventil) has a short half-life and duration of action. Based on this information, what should the nurse select as an appropriate dosing schedule for this drug?

A) Once a day
B) Once every other day
C) 3 or 4 times a day
D) 2 times a day

Question 18

A client with asthma is given albuterol sulfate (Proventil), a selective adrenergic drug that stimulates the beta₂-receptor site. Which response should the nurse expect to see in the client?

A) Bronchoconstriction
B) Bronchodilation
C) Decreased heart rate
D) Increased blood pressure

Question 19

A client is discharged on beta blockers. Which skill is essential for the client's family to learn?

A) How to prepare a low-sodium diet
B) Assessments to detect fluid retention
C) How to monitor heart rate and blood pressure
D) Early signs of changing level of consciousness