A nurse is administering an agonist drug that acts on postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system. Which response will the nurse expect to see?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine (NE) is the most common neurotransmitter released by all postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system except those going to sweat glands where ACh is the neurotransmitter. NE acts on alpha₁, alpha₂, and beta₁ receptors to increase the force and rate of cardiac contraction, thus increasing cardiac output. ACh would increase sweating. Bronchodilation occurs when epinephrine activates beta₂ receptors on bronchial smooth muscle. NE affects alpha₁ receptors to dilate the pupils.

A Nurse Is Administering an Agonist Drug That Acts on Postganglionic