Deck 12: Review of Neurotransmitters and the Autonomic Nervous System

Question 1

The nurse is explaining the process of synaptic transmission to the client who is taking medication that will affect it.Which client statement would indicate the need for further instruction?

A)The two primary neurotransmitters of the autonomic nervous system are epinephrine and dopamine.
B)The ganglia contain the neuron cell body of the postganglionic neuron.
C)The more neurotransmitter released into the synapse,the greater the response.
D)After the neurotransmitter binds with a receptor,the message is conveyed to the target tissue.

Answer 1

The two primary neurotransmitters of the autonomic nervous system are epinephrine and dopamine.

Question 2

Which type of medication inhibits autonomic responses at target organs or glands?

A)Drugs that prevent neurotransmitter reuptake.
B)Drugs that prevent neurotransmitter storage.
C)Drugs that increase neurotransmitter synthesis.
D)Drugs that promote neurotransmitter release.

Answer 2

Drugs that prevent neurotransmitter storage.

Question 3

The client presents to the emergency department after a motor vehicle crash.Vital signs on admission are heart rate 56,respiratory rate 16,blood pressure 150/90,and temperature 97°F.Which vital sign finding indicates a sympathetic nervous system response?

A)Respiratory rate
B)Temperature
C)Blood pressure
D)Heart rate

Answer 3

Blood pressure

Question 4

Which response is produced by muscarinic receptors containing acetylcholine?

A)Decreased peristalsis
B)Increased sweat production
C)Decreased heart rate
D)Increased blood pressure

Question 5

A client is prescribed an autonomic medication and asks the nurse how it works.Which response by the nurse is the most appropriate?

A)"The drug acts to stop the symptoms you are experiencing."
B)"The drug will help you with your day-to-day activities."
C)"The drug you are taking pretends to mimic the substance you are missing."
D)"The drug works by targeting the organ affected and producing an expected response."

Question 6

How is the process of synaptic transmission best described?

A)The conduction of action potentials that move rapidly from one neuron across the synapse to its target tissue
B)When the nerve impulse reaches the terminal axon and enters the synaptic cleft
C)The communication of the message from one cell to another utilizing neurotransmitters
D)When a neurotransmitter is synthesized within a cell body,causing a contraction

Question 7

Which clinical manifestations indicate a central nervous system dysfunction? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

A)Lack of movement in the left upper extremity
B)Decreased secretion of gastric acid
C)Increased thirst
D)Decreased memory
E)Increased blood pressure and heart rate when threatened

Question 8

Which factor is primarily responsible for the difference between the speed of somatic transmission and autonomic transmission of nerve impulses?

A)Abundance of ganglia
B)Presence of myelin
C)Absence of acetylcholine
D)Availability of neuronal tissue

Question 9

Which response is produced by nicotinic receptors containing acetylcholine?

A)Decreased heart rate
B)Increased blood pressure
C)Increased peristalsis
D)Decreased sweat production

Question 10

The termination of norepinephrine (NE)occurs through the process of reuptake.Which phrase best describes this phenomenon?

A)Movement of NE to the adrenergic receptor sites.
B)Release of NE into the bloodstream.
C)Storage of NE in preganglionic nerves for future use.
D)Destruction of NE by the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT).

Question 11

Adrenergic synapses containing alpha receptors are primarily responsible for which function?

A)Release of intracellular calcium
B)Inhibiting vasoconstriction of the bronchioles
C)Constriction of arterioles in the kidneys
D)Increasing the strength of contraction in the coronary arteries

Question 12

Given the main functions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS),which nursing action would be a priority consideration in providing care for clients with an autonomic dysfunction?

A)Providing information for urodynamic testing
B)Monitoring cardiac rhythms
C)Performing a mental status assessment
D)Administering antacids

Question 13

Which statement best describes the action of norepinephrine?

A)An enzymatic substance released at receptors at the end of postganglionic nerves
B)The neurotransmitter that binds to adrenergic receptors to produce a physiologic response
C)The activation of beta receptors to constrict coronary blood vessels
D)The stimulation of alpha receptors to decrease blood pressure

Question 14

Which statement explains how autonomic drugs affect synaptic transmission?

A)Drugs are frequently given to correct autonomic dysfunction.
B)Drugs used to prevent the normal destruction of the neurotransmitter cause the neurotransmitter to remain in the synapse for a longer period of time.
C)Drugs influence the release of neurotransmitters at the postganglionic site.
D)Drugs that decrease the degree of neurotransmitter synthesis stimulate autonomic responses.

Question 15

Which laboratory value indicates a response to the sympathetic nervous system?

A)Urinalysis +5 WBC
B)Hemoglobin 13.5 mg/dL
C)Blood glucose 180 mg/dL
D)Blood urea nitrogen 8 mg/dL

Question 16

Which is an example of an autonomic function?

A)Contraction of cardiac muscles
B)Movement of skeletal muscles
C)Organization of thought
D)Awareness of position

Question 17

Which system is comprised of the somatic and autonomic nervous systems?

A)Sensory nervous system
B)Motor nervous system
C)Central nervous system
D)Peripheral nervous system

Question 18

What are the components of the nervous system?

A)A sensory division and a motor division
B)Nerves that carry impulses to the brain
C)Nerves that deliver messages to vital organs
D)The central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system

Question 19

The main action of acetylcholine (ACh)at cholinergic synapses in the peripheral nervous system results in which act?

A)Inhibition of optic muscles
B)Stimulation of cardiac muscle
C)Contraction of skeletal muscle
D)Relaxation of smooth muscle

Question 20

Which assessment finding is reflective of the parasympathetic nervous system?

A)Frequent bowel movements
B)Elevated liver enzymes
C)Pupils 8 mm and equal
D)Decreased urine output

Question 21

A client has sustained a large blood loss.During the assessment,the nurse realizes that which findings are controlled by the nervous system? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

A)Heart rate
B)Blood pressure
C)Pupil size
D)Bowel sounds
E)Fluid volume

Question 22

Which percentage estimate is indicative of the adrenal medulla's effect on the sympathetic nervous system?

A)60-70%
B)75-100%
C)25-50%
D)10-20%

Question 23

A client received an injection of norepinephrine as part of medical treatment.This neurotransmitter will be destroyed by which body organs? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

A)Kidney
B)Liver
C)Stomach
D)Bladder
E)Pancreas

Question 24

A client is prescribed a medication that will block muscarinic receptors.The nurse realizes that this medication has implications for which body systems? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

A)Eyes
B)Respiratory
C)Cardiac
D)Endocrine
E)Metabolic

Question 25

Which client responses are considered involuntary responses to autonomic nervous system control? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

A)Becoming angry
B)Tripping over a chair
C)Complaining of nausea
D)Feeling depressed
E)Being happy

Question 26

The nurse is providing a client with a medication that is a beta₁ and beta₂ blocker.Which effects will the nurse expect to assess from this medication? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

A)Decreased heart rate
B)Reduced blood pressure
C)Increased blood pressure
D)Dilated pupils
E)Reduced anxiety

Question 27

The nurse is providing a medication to a client that will decrease autonomic responses.Using this medication will result in which actions? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

A)Decrease neurotransmitter synthesis
B)Prevent neurotransmitter storage
C)Prevent neurotransmitter release
D)Prevent neurotransmitter binding
E)Prevent the reuptake of neurotransmitter

Question 28

Which strategy is the most comprehensive way to study autonomic nervous system (ANS)pharmacology?

A)Mastering the terminology of autonomic drugs
B)Studying the adrenergic agonist responses
C)Memorizing the parasympatholytic or muscarinic antagonist response
D)Comparing the drugs to the same or opposite effect of the fight-or-flight response

Question 29

A client is prescribed a medication that will affect the autonomic nervous system.The nurse knows that the body's response to this medication will begin in the hypothalamus and travel to which structures? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

A)Medulla oblongata
B)Brainstem
C)Spinal cord
D)Spleen
E)Small intestines

Question 30

The nurse is providing a medication to a client that will stimulate the sympathetic nervous system.This medication will cause which effects to the client? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

A)Increased heart rate
B)Increased blood pressure
C)Increased respirations
D)Dilated pupils
E)Decreased body temperature

Question 31

The nurse is caring for a client with multisystem organ failure.Which client assessment findings are under the control of the sympathetic nervous system? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

A)Blood glucose level 210 mg/dL
B)Blood pressure 180/90 mmHg
C)Total cholesterol level 300 mg/dL
D)Respiratory rate 14 and regular
E)Hyperactive bowel sounds

Question 32

The nurse educator is reviewing the process of synaptic transmission across the neuroeffector junction with a student.In which order will the nurse explain the steps of synaptic transmission? Standard Text: Click on the down arrow for each response in the right column and select the correct choice from the list.Response

A)Synthesis of the neurotransmitter Response
B)Storage of the neurotransmitter Response
C)Release of the neurotransmitter Response
D)Binding to the receptor Response
E)Termination of neurotransmitter action

Question 33

The hypothalamus sends messages through the brainstem and spinal cord to the autonomic nervous system,causing which sympathetic effects?

A)Decreased blood pressure
B)Decreased temperature
C)Increased heart rate
D)Increased peristalsis

Question 34

Which action of the adrenal medulla directly affects the sympathetic nervous system?

A)Arousal and wakefulness
B)Fight-or-flight response
C)Sensations of pain and touch
D)Ability to walk and speak

Question 35

What is the difference between the release of catecholamines from the adrenal medulla and the postganglionic sympathetic neurons in the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

A)The postganglionic sympathetic neurons of the ANS release catecholamines into the systemic circulation,while the adrenal medulla releases catecholamines that affect only body cells innervated by the ANS.
B)The postganglionic sympathetic neurons of the ANS release catecholamines that are deactivated by the kidneys,while the catecholamines released from the adrenal medulla are deactivated by adrenergic enzymes.
C)The release of catecholamines from the adrenal medulla are longer-lasting than those produced by the postganglionic sympathetic neurons of the ANS.
D)The concentrations of catecholamines are shortened,reducing their effect on body cells,when released from the adrenal medulla,as opposed to the postganglionic sympathetic neurons of the ANS,which have long-lasting effects.

Question 36

What is the autonomic nervous system's (ANS)main integration center?

A)Spinal cord
B)Hypothalamus
C)Cerebellum
D)Cerebral cortex

Question 37

A client is prescribed a medication that will inhibit the parasympathetic nervous system.The nurse will refer to which drug classifications for this medication? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

A)Anticholinergics
B)Parasympatholytics
C)Muscarinic blockers
D)Adrenergic antagonists
E)Muscarinic agonists

Question 38

A student nurse is learning about a medication that affects the autonomic nervous system.When instructing the student about the effects of this medication,the nurse will begin by explaining which basic units of this system? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

A)The preganglionic neuron
B)The postganglionic neuron
C)The synaptic cleft
D)Norepinephrine
E)Dopamine

Question 39

Which is the primary method for studying the classification of autonomic drugs?

A)Defining which receptor sites are stimulated.
B)Contrasting nicotinic agonists with muscarinic agonists.
C)Comparing two groups of drugs: the adrenergics and cholinergics.
D)The stimulation and inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system and parasympathetic nervous system.

Question 40

Sympathomimetic drugs can be considered similar to which type of medications?

A)Anticholinergics
B)Muscarinic agonists
C)Parasympathomimetics
D)Adrenergic antagonists

Question 41

A client is prescribed a medication that replaces serotonin.The nurse realizes this medication is used to treat which health problems? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

A)Anxiety
B)Depression
C)Nausea and vomiting
D)Cocaine abuse
E)Seizures

Question 42

The client develops paralysis of the lower extremities after a skiing accident.Which part of the nervous system is responsible for the client's change in functioning?

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

Question 43

The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with glaucoma.Which types of medications will be prescribed for this client? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

A)Alpha-adrenergic blockers
B)Beta-adrenergic blockers
C)Cholinergic agents
D)Beta-adrenergic agonists
E)Alpha-adrenergic agonists