Question 1

The action of norepinephrine is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine acts as a neurotransmitter that binds to adrenergic receptors, including both alpha and beta receptors, to produce various physiological responses such as increasing heart rate and blood pressure, not specifically to decrease blood pressure or constrict coronary vessels as other options suggest.

Question 2

The difference between the speed of somatic transmission and autonomic transmission of nerve impulses is due primarily to the:

Accepted Answer

The speed of somatic transmission is generally faster than autonomic transmission primarily due to the presence of myelin sheaths around many somatic nerves, which allows for rapid and efficient signal transmission through saltatory conduction.

Question 3

An example of autonomic function includes:

Accepted Answer

The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary body functions, including the contraction of cardiac muscles, which is an example of such a function.

Question 4

Which of the following client responses is reflective of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for "rest and digest" functions, which include promoting digestion and bowel movements. Frequent bowel movements indicate an active parasympathetic nervous system.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine (ACh) at cholinergic synapses in the peripheral nervous system primarily causes contraction of skeletal muscle by binding to nicotinic receptors at the neuromuscular junction.

Question 6

The somatic and autonomic nervous systems are parts of the:

Accepted Answer

The somatic and autonomic nervous systems are subdivisions of the peripheral nervous system, which includes all the nerves and ganglia outside of the brain and spinal cord.

Question 7

The process of synaptic transmission is best described as:

Accepted Answer

The process of synaptic transmission involves the communication between cells through the release and reception of neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers. This process allows the message to be passed from one neuron to another or from a neuron to a target cell, such as a muscle or gland cell.

Question 8

Which of the following responses are produced by muscarinic receptors containing acetylcholine?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following responses are produced...

Question 9

Which of the following responses are produced by nicotinic receptors containing acetylcholine?

Accepted Answer

Nicotinic receptors, when activated by acetylcholine, can lead to increased blood pressure due to stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, which causes vasoconstriction and increased cardiac output.

Question 10

Which of the following indicates a central nervous system dysfunction? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following indicates a central...

Question 11

Which of the following statements regarding the process of synaptic transmission is false?

Accepted Answer

The two primary neurotransmitters of the autonomic nervous system are acetylcholine and norepinephrine, not epinephrine and dopamine.

Question 12

Which of the following laboratory values indicates a response to the sympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

The sympathetic nervous system, when activated, triggers the release of glucose from energy stores into the bloodstream to provide immediate energy for the "fight or flight" response. A blood glucose level of 180 mg/dL indicates hyperglycemia, which can be a response to sympathetic nervous system activation.

Question 13

The termination of norepinephrine (NE)occurs through the process of reuptake, which can be expressed as the:

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine (NE) is terminated primarily through reuptake into the presynaptic neuron, where it can be stored in vesicles for future use. This process is crucial for regulating the levels of NE in the synaptic cleft and ensuring that signaling is appropriately terminated after neurotransmission.

Question 14

The parts of the central nervous system consist of:

Accepted Answer

The central nervous system (CNS) is composed of the brain and spinal cord. These two structures are the primary components that process and transmit neural information throughout the body. Choices B, C, and D describe functions and components of the peripheral nervous system (PNS), not the CNS.

Question 15

Which of the following statements explains how autonomic drugs affect synaptic transmission?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following statements explains how...

Question 16

The client recently was prescribed an autonomic medication, and asks the nurse how it works.The nurse's best response would be:

Accepted Answer

Autonomic medications work by specifically targeting organs or systems in the body to produce a desired therapeutic effect, such as reducing heart rate or controlling blood pressure, rather than simply mimicking a missing substance or broadly stopping symptoms.

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?

Accepted Answer

Impaired mobility should be prioritized due to the paralysis of the lower extremities, directly impacting the client's ability to move.

Question 18

Autonomic responses at target organs or glands are inhibited by drugs that:

Accepted Answer

Drugs that prevent neurotransmitter storage inhibit autonomic responses at target organs or glands by disrupting the availability of neurotransmitters for release into the synaptic cleft, thereby reducing the effect on the target organ or gland.

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?

Accepted Answer

The elevated blood pressure (150/90) indicates a sympathetic nervous system response, as this system activates the body's fight-or-flight response, which can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure. However, in this scenario, only the blood pressure is indicative of such a response.

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?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring cardiac rhythms is a priority because the autonomic nervous system regulates heart rate and rhythm, which are critical for patient stability and health.

Quiz 16: Review of Neurotransmitters and the Autonomic Nervous System