A nursing student asks the nurse why epinephrine, and not other adrenergic agonists, is used to treat anaphylactic shock. What will the nurse tell the student? A) "Epinephrine is the only adrenergic agonist that may be given parenterally." B) "Epinephrine has the ability to activate multiple types of adrenergic receptors." C) "Other adrenergic agonists have more severe adverse effects and are not safe in the doses needed to treat anaphylaxis." D) "Other adrenergic agonists have little or no effects on beta₂-adrenergic receptors."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Epinephrine is used to treat anaphylactic shock because of its ability to activate multiple adrenergic receptor types. Activation of beta₁ receptors helps to increase cardiac output and improve blood pressure as well as suppress glottal edema. Activation of beta₂ receptors helps to counteract bronchoconstriction. Activation of alpha₁ receptors also causes vasoconstriction, which improves blood pressure. Isoproterenol may also be given parenterally but does not activate multiple receptor types. Other adrenergic agonists, such as albuterol, are more specific to beta₂ receptors and have fewer side effects.

A Nursing Student Asks the Nurse Why Epinephrine, and Not