Question 1

Identify the symptom(s) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia in males.

Accepted Answer

In benign prostatic hyperplasia (males), there is enlargement of the prostate gland, which interferes with urine flow through the ureter.

Question 2

Using critical thinking,select the underlying effect that results from taking propranolol,a beta-blocking drug that directly decreases heart rate,force of contraction,and conduction velocity of the heart.

Accepted Answer

The main effects produced by propranolol are a decrease in rate, force of contraction, and conduction velocity of the heart. In addition, there is usually a lowering of blood pressure. Reducing the effort and work of the heart causes a decrease in oxygen consumption.

Question 3

Identify the physical effects of anaphylaxis caused by insect stings,drugs,or other allergens.

Accepted Answer

Anaphylaxis can be caused by insect stings, drugs, or other allergens in sensitized individuals. There is difficulty in breathing, decreased blood pressure, and other symptoms of shock.

Question 4

What is the primary reason that alpha-blockers are used to treat Raynaud's disease?

Accepted Answer

The alpha-blockers are also used in peripheral vascular conditions (poor blood flow to skin and extremities) such as Raynaud's disease, where the vasodilation increases blood flow to the skin and extremities.

Question 5

Use the low-dose range of 0.5-2 mcg/kg/min to determine the appropriate dose range of dopamine that would result in vasodilation and increased renal blood flow for a patient who weighs 132 pounds.

Accepted Answer

At low doses (0.5 to 2.0 mcg/kg/minute), dopamine stimulates dopaminergic receptors in renal and mesenteric blood vessels, resulting in vasodilation and increased renal blood flow. Step 1: Convert weight in pounds to kilograms. 1 kg:2.2 lb = X:132 lb. X = 132 lb/2.2 lb per kg = 60 kg. Step 2: Determine how many micrograms per minute of drug are required for the low and high ends of the range. Low: 0.5 mcg/kg/min F1F1F1S1F1F1F10 60 kg = 30 mcg/min. High: 2 mcg/kg/min F1F1F1S1F1F1F10 60 kg = 120 mcg/min. Step 3: Convert micrograms per minute to micrograms per hour. Low: 30 mcg/min F1F1F1S1F1F1F10 60 min/hr = 1800 mcg/hr. High: 120 mcg/min F1F1F1S1F1F1F10 60 min/hr = 7200 mcg/hr. Step 4: Convert micrograms per hour to milligrams per hour.

Question 6

Use the low-dose range of 0.5-2 mcg/kg/minute to determine the appropriate dose range of dopamine that would result in vasodilation and increased renal blood flow for a patient who weighs 220 pounds.

Accepted Answer

At low doses (0.5 to 2.0 mcg/kg/minute), dopamine stimulates dopaminergic receptors in renal and mesenteric blood vessels, resulting in vasodilation and increased renal blood flow. Step 1: Convert weight in pounds to kilograms. 1 kg:2.2 lb = X:220 lb. X = 220 lb/2.2 lb per kg = 100 kg. Step 2: Determine how many micrograms per minute of drug are required for the low and high ends of the range. Low: 0.5 mcg/kg/min F1F1F1S1F1F1F10 100 kg = 50 mcg/min. High: 2 mcg/kg/min F1F1F1S1F1F1F10 100 kg = 200 mcg/min. Step 3: Convert micrograms per minute to micrograms per hour. Low: 50 mcg/min F1F1F1S1F1F1F10 60 min/hr = 3000 mcg/hr. High: 200 mcg/min F1F1F1S1F1F1F10 60 min/hr = 12,000 mcg/hr. Step 4: Convert micrograms per hour to milligrams per hour.

Question 7

Identify the type of muscles that are affected by norepinephrine.

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine travels across the synaptic cleft to the smooth or cardiac muscle membrane, attaches to adrenergic receptors, and produces the sympathetic response.

Question 8

Analyze the major adrenergic effects of the neuronal blockers,and select the main drug effect that the neuronal blockers have on the adrenergic nerve endings.

Accepted Answer

The neuronal blockers exert their effect at the adrenergic nerve endings to interfere with synthesis and/or release of NE from the nerve ending. The result is a decrease in all sympathetic activity, lowering of blood pressure, and decrease in cardiac function.

Question 9

Using the Physicians' Desk Reference available in the office,you determine that reserpine,prescribed for hypertension,is rarely used today because of its side-effect profile.Side effects of reserpine include:

Accepted Answer

Reserpine is rarely used today because of its numerous adverse effects. Side effects are similar to parasympathetic stimulation and include increased salivation, diarrhea, nasal congestion, bradycardia, and excessive hypotension.

Question 10

The alpha and beta agonists are also known as sympathomimetics.You can conclude that these agonists:

Accepted Answer

Sympathomimetics are adrenergic drugs (alpha and beta agonists) that produce effects that are similar to stimulating or mimicking the sympathetic nervous system.

Question 11

Match the correct symptoms with the sympathetic signs of overdose of the adrenergic drugs.

Accepted Answer

The sympathetic signs of drug overdosage include sweating, trembling, chest pain, respiratory difficulty, and significant increases in blood pressure.

Question 12

Using the common dosage ranges of the beta-adrenergic blocking drugs,select the correct dosage range of propranolol (Inderal) for the treatment of angina pectoris.

Accepted Answer

Propranolol (Inderal ) is used to treat angina pectoris. The common daily dosage range is 80-320 mg PO.

Question 13

Use the moderate-dose range of 2-10 mcg/kg/min to determine the appropriate dose range of dopamine that would result in increased cardiac output for a patient who weighs 176 pounds.

Accepted Answer

At moderate doses (2 to 10 mcg/kg/minute), dopamine also stimulates beta-1 receptors, which increases myocardial contractility and increases cardiac output. Step 1: Convert weight in pounds to kilograms. 1 kg:2.2 lb = X:176 lb. X = 176 lb/2.2 lb per kg = 80 kg. Step 2: Determine how many micrograms per minute of drug are required for the low and high ends of the range. Low: 2 mcg/kg/min F1F1F1S1F1F1F10 80 kg = 160 mcg/min. High: 10 mcg/kg/min F1F1F1S1F1F1F10 80 kg = 800 mcg/min. Step 3: Convert micrograms per minute to micrograms per hour. Low: 160 mcg/min F1F1F1S1F1F1F10 60 min/hr = 9600 mcg/hr. High: 800 mcg/min F1F1F1S1F1F1F10 60 min/hr = 48,000 mcg/hr. Step 4: Convert micrograms per hour to milligrams per hour.

Question 14

Identify the primary effect that epinephrine has on the beta-2 receptors.

Accepted Answer

When the beta-2 receptors are stimulated by EPI, they produce vasodilation (mainly skeletal muscle blood vessels and coronary arteries) and bronchodilation (relaxation of bronchiolar smooth muscle).

Question 15

Use your critical-thinking skills to determine the effects of the beta-adrenergic blocking drugs on the heart.

Accepted Answer

The main clinical use of beta-blockers is to decrease the activity of the heart. Blockade of the beta-1 receptors produces a decrease in heart rate, force of contraction, and impulse conduction through the conduction system of the heart.

Question 16

Analyze the common dosage ranges of the beta-adrenergic blocking drugs,and select the correct dosage range of atenolol (Tenormin) for treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris.

Accepted Answer

Atenolol (Tenormin) is used for the treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris. The common daily dosage range is 50-100 mg by mouth.

Question 17

Identify the most common side effect of decongestant use.

Accepted Answer

The most common side effect of decongestant use is irritation of the nasal sinuses or eyes due to excessive dryness caused by the vasoconstrictive decrease in blood flow.

Question 18

Explain the use of an EpiPen Auto-Injector.

Accepted Answer

EpiPen must be carried by the individual and administered immediately following the onset of an anaphylactic-type allergic reaction.

Question 19

Esmolol is a short-acting,intravenously administered drug that is used for emergencies and has a half-life of 10 minutes.Use the definition of half-life to select the correct statement about esmolol.

Accepted Answer

Esmolol is a short-acting drug that is administered intravenously in emergency situations because it has a quick onset of action. Esmolol lowers ventricular heart rate in cases of supraventricular tachycardia. The half-life of esmolol is about 10 minutes.

Question 20

Use your critical-thinking skills to determine the primary reason that methyldopa is classified as a false transmitter.

Accepted Answer

Methyldopa (alpha-methyldopa) interferes with the synthesis of norepinephrine in the nerve endings. The adrenergic nerve ending also converts methyldopa into alpha-methylnorepinephrine, which is stored and released by the nerve endings like norepinephrine. The term false transmitter is used to describe drugs that produce neurotransmitter-like substances but reduce neuronal activity.

Quiz 6: Drugs Affecting the Sympathetic Nervous System