Question 1

Which factor is primarily responsible for the difference between the speed of somatic transmission and autonomic transmission of nerve impulses?

Accepted Answer

The presence of myelin is primarily responsible for the difference between the speed of somatic transmission and autonomic transmission of nerve impulses. Myelin acts as an insulator that increases the speed of nerve conduction, and somatic neurons have more myelin than autonomic neurons. This results in faster transmission of nerve impulses in the somatic nervous system compared to the autonomic nervous system.

Question 2

The client presents to the emergency department after a motor vehicle crash.Vital signs on admission are heart rate 56,respiratory rate 16,blood pressure 150/90,and temperature 97°F.Which vital sign finding indicates a sympathetic nervous system response?

Accepted Answer

An increase in blood pressure is a sympathetic nervous system response, as the body's natural response to stress is to release adrenaline, which constricts blood vessels, leading to an increase in blood pressure. The other vital signs can be influenced by a variety of factors and may not necessarily indicate a sympathetic nervous system response.

Question 3

What are the components of the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

The nervous system is composed of two main components: the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system (PNS), which includes all the nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body. Option A and B are subcategories of the PNS, while option C is too narrow and excludes important parts of the nervous system.

Question 4

Adrenergic synapses containing alpha receptors are primarily responsible for which function?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Adrenergic synapses containing alpha receptors are primarily...

Question 5

Which response is produced by muscarinic receptors containing acetylcholine?

Accepted Answer

Muscarinic receptors containing acetylcholine cause a decrease in heart rate.

Question 6

Which type of medication inhibits autonomic responses at target organs or glands?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which type of medication inhibits autonomic responses...

Question 7

Which system is comprised of the somatic and autonomic nervous systems?

Accepted Answer

The somatic and autonomic nervous systems are both components of the peripheral nervous system, which is responsible for connecting the central nervous system (CNS) to limbs and organs, essentially acting as a relay between the brain and spinal cord and the rest of the body.

Question 8

Which action of the adrenal medulla directly affects the sympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

The adrenal medulla secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine, which directly affect the sympathetic nervous system, triggering the body's fight-or-flight response.

Question 9

Which response is produced by nicotinic receptors containing acetylcholine?

Accepted Answer

Nicotinic receptors that bind to acetylcholine are found in the sympathetic nervous system and, when stimulated, activate the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine, leading to an increase in blood pressure. Options A, C, and D are not associated with nicotinic receptor activation.

Question 10

Which statement best describes the action of norepinephrine?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that binds to adrenergic receptors to produce a physiologic response. It is released from postganglionic sympathetic neurons and causes effects such as increased heart rate and blood pressure.

Question 11

The nurse is explaining the process of synaptic transmission to the client who is taking medication that will affect it.Which client statement would indicate the need for further instruction?

Accepted Answer

The statement made by the client is incorrect, as epinephrine is not a primary neurotransmitter of the autonomic nervous system. The primary neurotransmitters of the autonomic nervous system are acetylcholine and norepinephrine. The client would benefit from further instruction to clarify this point.

Question 12

The main action of acetylcholine (ACh)at cholinergic synapses in the peripheral nervous system results in which act?

Accepted Answer

The main action of acetylcholine at cholinergic synapses in the peripheral nervous system is to cause contraction of skeletal muscles. This is because acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter released by motor neurons that innervate skeletal muscles (known as the neuromuscular junction). When acetylcholine binds to receptors on the muscle fiber, it triggers a series of events that ultimately lead to muscle contraction.

Question 13

A client is prescribed an autonomic medication and asks the nurse how it works.Which response by the nurse is the most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Autonomic medications work by targeting the specific organs or systems affected and producing an expected response. This is typically done by either stimulating or blocking certain receptors in the body. Option A is not an accurate explanation of how the medication works, as it does not address the mechanism of action. Option B is a vague statement that does not provide any useful information about the medication. Option C may be true in some cases, but it is not a universal explanation for all autonomic medications.

Question 14

The termination of norepinephrine (NE)occurs through the process of reuptake.Which phrase best describes this phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Reuptake refers to the process where neurotransmitters like norepinephrine are taken back into the presynaptic neuron for storage and future use, rather than being destroyed or released into the bloodstream.

Question 15

Which clinical manifestations indicate a central nervous system dysfunction?
Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which clinical manifestations indicate a central nervous...

Question 16

Which statement explains how autonomic drugs affect synaptic transmission?

Accepted Answer

Autonomic drugs can inhibit the breakdown of neurotransmitters, allowing them to remain in the synapse longer and prolong their action.

Question 17

Given the main functions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS),which nursing action would be a priority consideration in providing care for clients with an autonomic dysfunction?

Accepted Answer

The ANS plays a crucial role in regulating the heart and blood vessels. Monitoring cardiac rhythms is important to detect any disturbances or irregularities in the heart rate or rhythm. This information can help guide interventions and prevent complications such as hypotension, syncope, or cardiac arrest. Providing information for urodynamic testing may be important for clients with ANS dysfunction related to bladder or bowel control, but it is not a priority consideration for all clients with autonomic dysfunction. Performing a mental status assessment and administering antacids may be relevant in specific cases, but they are not directly related to the main functions of the ANS.

Question 18

How is the process of synaptic transmission best described?

Accepted Answer

Synaptic transmission is the process of communication between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal target cell (such as a muscle or gland) via the release and binding of neurotransmitters. When an action potential reaches the presynaptic terminal, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft, where they bind to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane and either excite or inhibit the target cell. This process is essential for neural communication and the functioning of the nervous system. Options A, B, and D describe aspects of synaptic transmission, but do not capture the full process.

Question 19

Which assessment finding is reflective of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Frequent bowel movements are reflective of the parasympathetic nervous system's role in promoting rest and digest functions, which includes stimulating digestion and bowel movements.

Question 20

Which is an example of an autonomic function?

Accepted Answer

Contraction of cardiac muscles is an example of autonomic function, which means that it is controlled by the autonomic nervous system and occurs without conscious control or awareness. Movement of skeletal muscles, organization of thought, and awareness of position are not examples of autonomic functions.

Quiz 12: Review of Neurotransmitters and the Autonomic Nervous System