Deck 16: Review of Neurotransmitters and the Autonomic Nervous System

Question 1

The action of norepinephrine is best described as:
1)An enzymatic substance released at receptors at the end of postganglionic nerves.
2)The stimulation of alpha receptors to decrease blood pressure.
3)The activation of beta receptors to constrict coronary blood vessels.
4)The neurotransmitter that binds to adrenergic receptors to produce a physiologic response.

Answer 1

4

Question 2

The difference between the speed of somatic transmission and autonomic transmission of nerve impulses is due primarily to the:
1)Presence of myelin.
2)Absence of acetylcholine.
3)Abundance of ganglia.
4)Availability of neuronal tissue.

Answer 2

1

Question 3

An example of autonomic function includes:
1)Movement of skeletal muscles.
2)Organization of thought.
3)Contraction of cardiac muscles.
4)Awareness of position.

Answer 3

3

Question 4

Which of the following client responses is reflective of the parasympathetic nervous system?
1)Decreased urine output
2)Frequent bowel movements
3)Elevated liver enzymes
4)Pupils 8 mm and equal

Question 5

The main action of acetylcholine (ACh)at cholinergic synapses in the peripheral nervous system results in:
1)Contraction of skeletal muscle.
2)Relaxation of smooth muscle.
3)Stimulation of cardiac muscle.
4)Inhibition of optic muscles.

Question 6

The somatic and autonomic nervous systems are parts of the:
1)Central nervous system.
2)Motor nervous system.
3)Sensory nervous system.
4)Peripheral nervous system.

Question 7

The process of synaptic transmission is best described as:
1)When a neurotransmitter is synthesized within a cell body, causing a contraction.
2)When the nerve impulse reaches the terminal axon and enters the synaptic cleft.
3)The communication of the message from one cell to another utilizing neurotransmitters.
4)The conduction of action potentials that move rapidly from one neuron across the synapse to its target tissue.

Question 8

Which of the following responses are produced by muscarinic receptors containing acetylcholine?
1)Increased sweat production
2)Decreased heart rate
3)Decreased peristalsis
4)Increased blood pressure

Question 9

Which of the following responses are produced by nicotinic receptors containing acetylcholine?
1)Decreased sweat production
2)Decreased heart rate
3)Increased peristalsis
4)Increased blood pressure

Question 10

Which of the following indicates a central nervous system dysfunction? Select all that apply.
1)Lack of movement in the left upper extremity
2)Decrease memory
3)Decrease secretion of gastric acid
4)Increase thirst

Question 11

Which of the following statements regarding the process of synaptic transmission is false?
1)The more neurotransmitter released into the synapse, the greater the response.
2)The ganglia contain the neuron cell body of the postganglionic neuron.
3)After the neurotransmitter binds with a receptor, the message is conveyed to the target tissue.
4)The two primary neurotransmitters of the autonomic nervous system are epinephrine and dopamine.

Question 12

Which of the following laboratory values indicates a response to the sympathetic nervous system?
1)Blood glucose 180 mg/dL
2)Blood urea nitrogen 8 mg/dL
3)Hemoglobin 13.5 mg/dL
4)Urinalysis +5 WBC

Question 13

The termination of norepinephrine (NE)occurs through the process of reuptake, which can be expressed as the:
1)Destruction of NE by the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT).
2)Storage of NE in preganglionic nerves for future use.
3)Movement of NE to the adrenergic receptor sites.
4)Release of NE into the bloodstream.

Question 14

The parts of the central nervous system consist of:
1)The brain and spinal cord.
2)Nerves that carry impulses to the brain.
3)Nerves that deliver messages to vital organs.
4)Afferent and efferent nerve routes.

Question 15

Which of the following statements explains how autonomic drugs affect synaptic transmission?
1)Drugs are frequently given to correct autonomic dysfunction.
2)Drugs influence the release of neurotransmitters at the postganglionic site.
3)Drugs used to prevent the normal destruction of the neurotransmitter cause the neurotransmitter to remain in the synapse for a longer period of time.
4)Drugs that decrease the degree of neurotransmitter synthesis stimulate autonomic responses.

Question 16

The client recently was prescribed an autonomic medication, and asks the nurse how it works.The nurse's best response would be:
1)"The drug you are taking pretends to mimic the substance you are missing."
2)"The drug acts to stop the symptoms you are experiencing."
3)"The drug will help you with your day-to-day activities."
4)"The drug works by targeting the organ affected and producing an expected response."

Question 17

The client develops paralysis of the lower extremities after a skiing accident.Which of the following nursing diagnoses should be prioritized in the initial period following the accident?
1)Alteration in comfort
2)Impaired mobility
3)Sleep disturbance
4)Caregiver role strain

Question 18

Autonomic responses at target organs or glands are inhibited by drugs that:
1)Increase neurotransmitter synthesis.
2)Prevent neurotransmitter storage.
3)Promote neurotransmitter release.
4)Prevent neurotransmitter reuptake.

Question 19

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 of the following vital signs indicates a sympathetic nervous system response?
1)Heart rate
2)Respiratory rate
3)Blood pressure
4)Temperature

Question 20

Given the main functions of the autonomic nervous system, which of the following nursing actions would be a priority consideration in the caring for patients?
1)Monitoring cardiac rhythms
2)Administering antacids
3)Performing mental status assessment
4)Providing information for urodynamic testing

Question 21

The hypothalamus sends messages through the brainstem and spinal cord to the autonomic nervous system, causing sympathetic effects such as:
1)Increased heart rate.
2)Decreased blood pressure.
3)Decreased temperature.
4)Increased peristalsis.

Question 22

The primary method for studying the classification of autonomic drugs is based on:
1)Comparing two groups of drugs: the adrenergics and cholinergics.
2)The stimulation and inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system and parasympathetic nervous system.
3)Contrasting nicotinic agonists with muscarinic agonists.
4)Defining which receptor sites are stimulated.

Question 23

Which of the following actions of the adrenal medulla directly affects the sympathetic nervous system?
1)Fight-or-flight response
2)Arousal and wakefulness
3)Ability to walk and speak
4)Sensations of pain and touch

Question 24

Which of the following strategies is the most comprehensive way to study ANS pharmacology?
1)Studying the adrenergic agonist responses
2)Comparing the drugs to the same or opposite effect of the fight-or-flight response
3)Memorizing the parasympatholytic or muscarinic antagonist response
4)Mastering the terminology of autonomic drugs

Question 25

Adrenergic synapses containing alpha receptors are primarily responsible for which of the following functions?
1)Constriction of arterioles in the kidneys
2)Increasing the strength of contraction in the coronary arteries
3)Release of intracellular calcium
4)Inhibiting vasoconstriction of the bronchioles

Question 26

The autonomic nervous system's main integration center is the:
1)Cerebral cortex.
2)Cerebellum.
3)Spinal cord.
4)Hypothalamus.

Question 27

Sympathomimetic drugs can be considered similar to:
1)Muscarinic agonists.
2)Adrenergic antagonists.
3)Parasympathomimetics.
4)Anticholinergics.

Question 28

Which percentage estimate is indicative of the adrenal medulla's effect on the sympathetic nervous?
1)10-20%
2)25-50%
3)60-70%
4)75-100%

Question 29

The difference between the release of catecholamines from the adrenal medulla and the postganglionic sympathetic neurons in the autonomic nervous system is:
1)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.
2)The release of catecholamines from the adrenal medulla are longer-lasting than those produced by the postganglionic sympathetic neurons of the ANS.
3)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.
4)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.

Question 30

Which of the following client responses are considered involuntary responses to autonomic nervous system control? (Select all that apply.)
1)Feeling depressed
2)Becoming angry
3)Tripping over a chair
4)Complaining of nausea