Question 1

Differentiate between the beta-1 receptors and the beta-2 receptors to select the primary effects of stimulation by epinephrine on the beta-1 receptors.

Accepted Answer

Beta-1 receptors, when stimulated by norepinephrine or epinephrine, increase heart rate and force of contraction.

Question 2

Analyze the common dosage ranges of the alpha-adrenergic blocking drugs,and select the correct dosage range of tamsulosin (Flomax) for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia in males.

Accepted Answer

Tamsulosin (Flomax) is used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The common daily dosage range is 0.4-0.8 mg by mouth.

Question 3

Select the primary clinical use of the alpha-adrenergic blockers alfuzosin,tamsulosin,terazosin,and doxazosin.

Accepted Answer

Alfuzosin (Uroxatral), doxazosin (Cardura), terazosin (Hytrin), and tamsulosin (Flomax) are used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Question 4

Differentiate between the drug effects of the nonselective and selective beta-1 blockers,and select the major pharmacokinetic differences that exist between the two that can alter the therapeutic response.

Accepted Answer

The major pharmacokinetic differences among the selective and nonselective beta-1 blockers are the duration of action and the extent of drug metabolism.

Question 5

Infiltration by alpha drugs during IV administration can lead to necrosis and gangrene of the skin cells.Select the reason that this occurs.

Accepted Answer

During intravenous infusion of alpha-adrenergic drugs, the IV needle should be checked frequently to make certain that the drug is not infiltrating the skin. Infiltration by alpha drugs causes intense vasoconstriction of skin blood vessels, which can lead to death of skin cells and gangrene.

Question 6

Select the correct treatment outcome associated with the use of IV dobutamine,a drug that is similar to dopamine but has greater beta-1 effects.

Accepted Answer

Dobutamine (Dobutrex) is a drug, similar to dopamine, which possesses greater beta-1 effects to increase myocardial contractility. The main use of dobutamine is in acute heart failure, where it is administered by IV infusion.

Question 7

Analyze the drugs in each group below,and select the group of drugs that are available as both a nasal spray and ophthalmic drops primarily for use as a decongestant.

Accepted Answer

Naphazoline (Privine and Naphcon) and tetrahydrozoline (Tyzine and Visine) are administered as nasal and ocular decongestants. Phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine) and xylometazoline (Otrivin) are administered as a nasal spray.

Question 8

Select the group of beta-adrenergic drugs that can be inhaled via a nebulizer in order to open the respiratory airway.

Accepted Answer

Isoetharine (Bronchometer) and levalbuterol (Xopenex) are bronchodilators used for nebulization. Salmeterol (Serevent) is a bronchodilator used as an aerosol inhalant and terbutaline (Brethine) is a bronchodilator used for preterm labor.

Question 9

Analyze the drugs in each group below,and select the group of drugs that are administered by parenteral injection and used to elevate blood pressure.

Accepted Answer

Metaraminol (Aramine), norepinephrine (Levophed), and phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine) are administered by parenteral injection to treat hypotension. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and midodrine (ProAmatine) are administered orally and xylometazoline (Otrivin) is administered as a nasal spray.

Question 10

Analyze the major adrenergic effects of the alpha drug class,and select the main drug effect that the alpha drugs have on the alpha-2 receptor site.

Accepted Answer

The alpha-1 effect results in contraction of alpha-1 mediated smooth muscle (vasoconstriction). The alpha-2 effect is a negative feedback effect that decreases the release of norepinephrine.

Quiz 6: Drugs Affecting the Sympathetic Nervous System