A nurse is teaching nursing students about the pharmacology of methyldopa. Which statement by a student indicates the need for further teaching?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Methyldopa does not reduce the heart rate or cardiac output,so its hypotensive actions are not the result of cardiac depression. The drug is not,in itself,an alpha₂ agonist. When taken up into brainstem neurons,it is converted into methylnorepinephrine,which is an alpha₂ agonist; it is not effective until converted to this active compound. Its hypotensive effects are the result of vasodilation,not cardiosuppression.

A Nurse Is Teaching Nursing Students About the Pharmacology of Methyldopa