Question 1

The nurse is aware that adrenergic drugs produce effects similar to which of these nervous systems?

Accepted Answer

Adrenergic drugs mimic the effects of the sympathetic nervous system.

Question 2

When an adrenergic drug stimulates beta₁-adrenergic receptors, the result is an increased force of contraction, which is known as what type of effect?

Accepted Answer

An increased force of contraction is known as a positive inotropic effect. Positive chronotropic effect (increased heart rate) also occur. Positive dromotropic effect is an increase in the conduction of cardiac electrical nerve impulses through the atrioventricular node.

Question 3

A 14-year-old patient has been treated for asthma for almost 4 months. Two weeks ago, she was given salmeterol as part of her medication regimen. However, her mother has called the clinic to report that it does not seem to work when her daughter is having an asthma attack. Which response by the nurse is appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Salmeterol is indicated for the prevention of bronchospasms, not treatment of acute symptoms. The dosage is usually two puffs twice daily, 12 hours apart, for maintenance effects in patients older than 12 years of age. The other options are incorrect.

Question 4

The nurse is presenting information to a class of students about adrenergic drugs. Which are the effects of drugs that stimulate the sympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system causes bronchodilation, increased heart rate, pupil dilation, and glycogenolysis as well as many other effects . The other responses are effects that occur as a result of the stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system.

Question 5

A patient is on a low-dose dobutamine drip for heart failure. She had been feeling better but now has a sense of tightness in her chest, palpitations, and a bit of anxiety. Her heart rate is up to 110 beats/min, and her blood pressure is 150/98 mm Hg (increased from previous readings of 86 beats/min and 120/80 mm Hg). What is the nurse's immediate concern for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Because dobutamine is a vasoactive adrenergic, it works by increasing the cardiac output in heart failure patients by increasing myocardial contractility and stroke volume. However, adrenergic drugs may worsen a preexisting cardiac disorder, such as causing a myocardial infarction in a patient with coronary artery disease. The other options are incorrect.

Question 6

When a patient is taking an adrenergic agonist drug, the nurse expects to observe which effect?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate is one of the effects of adrenergic drugs. Sympathetic nervous system stimulation also results in bronchodilation, dilated pupils, and decreased gastrointestinal mobility, depending upon which receptors are stimulated.

Question 7

The nurse is preparing to administer dopamine. Which is the correct technique for administering dopamine?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine is available only as an IV injectable drug and is given by continuous infusion, using an infusion pump. The other options are incorrect.

Question 8

The nurse is to administer epinephrine 0.3 mg subcutaneously. The ampule contains 1 mL of medication and is labeled 1 mg/mL. Identify how many milliliters of epinephrine the nurse will give. _______

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is to administer epinephrine 0.3...

Question 9

The nurse is administering a stat dose of epinephrine. Epinephrine is appropriate for which situation?

Accepted Answer

Treatment of cardiac arrest is an indication for the use of epinephrine. The other options are not indications for epinephrine.

Question 10

A hospitalized patient is experiencing a severe anaphylactic reaction to a dose of intravenous penicillin. Which drug will the nurse expect to use to treat this condition?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine is the drug of choice for the treatment of anaphylaxis. The other drugs listed are incorrect choices.

Question 11

An adrenergic agonist is ordered for a patient in shock. The nurse will note that this drug has had its primary intended effect if which expected outcome occurs?

Accepted Answer

For a patient in shock, a primary benefit of an adrenergic agonist drug is to increase cardiac output. A drug in this category should not be used in place of volume restoration, nor does it provide volume restoration (IV fluids do this). Adrenergic agonists may enhance urine output if cardiac output and perfusion to the kidneys increase. These drugs do not reduce anxiety.

Question 12

The nurse recognizes that adrenergic drugs cause relaxation of the bronchi and bronchodilation by stimulating which type of receptors?

Accepted Answer

Stimulation of beta₂-adrenergic receptors results in bronchodilation. The other choices are incorrect.

Quiz 18: Adrenergic Drugs