46) While walking down the street, a cat jumps out of an alley into the pathway of an adult. They note that his /her heart is "racing." this response is primarily due to:

The cell body of the first motor neuron that lies in the brain stem

Reflex circuitry produce by the ANS reflex

Parasympathetic effect on the vagus nerve

Secretion of the sympathetic neurotransmitters produce in the adrenal medulla

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A) The cell body of the first motor neuron that lies in the brain stem:
This option refers to the somatic nervous system, which controls voluntary muscle movements. In response to a stressful or fearful situation, like the one described, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, not the somatic motor pathways. This is more related to voluntary motor control rather than the autonomic response to stress.

B) Reflex circuitry produced by the ANS reflex:
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is involved in regulating involuntary functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. However, the "racing heart" response described here is primarily triggered by the sympathetic division of the ANS due to a stressor, such as seeing the cat. The reflex itself is part of a larger autonomic reaction, but the direct cause of the increased heart rate is the secretion of neurotransmitters.

C) Parasympathetic effect on the vagus nerve:
The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) generally works to counteract the "fight or flight" response, promoting a relaxed state and slowing the heart rate. The vagus nerve is the primary parasympathetic pathway involved in decreasing heart rate. However, during stress or a fear response, the parasympathetic system is overridden by the sympathetic system, which increases heart rate, making this option incorrect.

D) Secretion of the sympathetic neurotransmitters produced in the adrenal medulla:
When a person experiences a stressor, like the sudden appearance of a cat, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, triggering the release of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine from sympathetic nerve endings and epinephrine (adrenaline) from the adrenal medulla. These chemicals act on the heart, causing it to race in response to the perceived threat.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) Pupil dilation:
Pupil dilation is typically a response from stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, not the parasympathetic system. The parasympathetic system tends to cause pupil constriction, so pupil dilation would not be an expected response to a parasympathetic agonist.

B) Increased gastrointestinal motility:
Stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the "rest and digest" response, promotes the movement of food through the digestive tract, increasing gastrointestinal motility. This response is a classic sign that the parasympathetic system is being activated. Drugs that stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system often aim to enhance digestive functions.

C) Vasoconstriction:
Vasoconstriction is typically mediated by the sympathetic nervous system, not the parasympathetic system. The sympathetic nervous system activates alpha-adrenergic receptors that cause blood vessels to constrict, raising blood pressure. The parasympathetic system, on the other hand, typically promotes vasodilation, lowering blood pressure.

D) Increased heart rate:
Increased heart rate is generally associated with the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body for "fight or flight." The parasympathetic nervous system, in contrast, slows down the heart rate through vagal stimulation, so an increase in heart rate would not be the expected response to parasympathetic stimulation.

A. GABA-ergic B. Dopaminergic C. Cholinergic D. Serotonergic

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) GABA-ergic:
GABA-ergic neurons use gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) as their neurotransmitter, not acetylcholine (ACh). GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, playing a crucial role in reducing neuronal excitability.

B) Dopaminergic:
Dopaminergic neurons release dopamine as their neurotransmitter. Dopamine is involved in several critical functions, including movement, reward, and regulation of mood. Since acetylcholine is not involved in dopaminergic transmission, this is not the correct answer.

C) Cholinergic:
Cholinergic neurons use acetylcholine (ACh) as their neurotransmitter. These neurons are involved in many functions, including muscle activation (in the somatic nervous system), as well as modulating parasympathetic responses in the autonomic nervous system.

D) Serotonergic:
Serotonergic neurons release serotonin (5-HT), which is a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and other functions. Acetylcholine is not involved in serotonergic transmission

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

46) While walking down the street, a cat jumps out of an alley into the pathway of an adult. They note that his /her heart is "racing." this response is primarily due to:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse administers a drug that stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. What physiologic response would indicate that the drug is working?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Neuron that use Acetylcholine (ACh) as its neurotransmitter are what type of neuron?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a patient with Parkinson’s disease. While writing the care plan for this patient what would be an appropriate nursing diagnosis?

The nurse administers a drug to a patient whose heart rate is bradycardic aimed at increasing heart rate and myocardial activity. What adrenergic receptor is this drug stimulating?

When the nurse administers a drug that stimulates the nicotinic receptors, what manifestation would indicate that the drug is working?

How does ephedrine act on the body?

Which of these is a neurotransmitter?

An older patient exhibits a shuffling gait, lack of facial expression, and tremors at rest. The nurse will expect the provider to order which medication for this patient?

The nurse is providing teaching for the family of a patient who has been newly diagnosed with Alzheimer disease (AD). Which statement by the family member indicates understanding of the teaching?

The nurse assess that the patient is having a sympathetic response when noting what manifestation?