A patient brought to the ER is unconscious and is suspected of experiencing hypoglycemia. The hyperglycemic, glucagon is delivered IM to counteract this condition. What does the nurse understand to be the pharmacologic action of this drug?

Slows down gastric emptying to concentrate glucose in the bloodstream

Releases glycogen from the liver and muscles to be converted into glucose in the bloodstream.

Converts fats into triglycerides for ready conversion into glucose in the bloodstream.

Releases glucose from the small intestine into the bloodstream

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Slows down gastric emptying to concentrate glucose in the bloodstream: Glucagon does not act on the gastrointestinal tract to delay gastric emptying. Slowing gastric emptying is a mechanism associated with certain antidiabetic drugs like GLP-1 agonists, not glucagon.

B. Releases glycogen from the liver and muscles to be converted into glucose in the bloodstream: Glucagon stimulates glycogenolysis in the liver, breaking down stored glycogen into glucose, which is released into the bloodstream. This rapid increase in blood glucose makes it effective for treating severe hypoglycemia in unconscious patients.

C. Converts fats into triglycerides for ready conversion into glucose in the bloodstream: Glucagon does not convert fats into triglycerides. While glucagon can promote lipolysis, its primary pharmacologic action in hypoglycemia is glycogenolysis, not fat metabolism.

D. Releases glucose from the small intestine into the bloodstream: The small intestine absorbs dietary glucose but does not store it for rapid release. Glucagon’s effect is on liver glycogen stores, not intestinal glucose reserves.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Increases the availability of acetylcholine in the brain:Carbidopa-levodopa does not increase acetylcholine. Parkinson’s disease is characterized by a relative excess of acetylcholine compared with dopamine, and treatment aims to restore dopamine, not acetylcholine levels.

B. Increases the availability of serotonin in the brain:Carbidopa-levodopa does not affect serotonin levels. Its mechanism is specific to dopamine replacement to improve motor function in Parkinson’s disease.

C. Increases the availability of dopamine in the brain:Levodopa is converted to dopamine in the brain, replenishing the deficient neurotransmitter in Parkinson’s disease. Carbidopa inhibits peripheral conversion of levodopa, increasing dopamine availability centrally and reducing side effects like nausea.

D. Increases the availability of norepinephrine in the brain:Carbidopa-levodopa does not directly increase norepinephrine. Its therapeutic effect is primarily through enhancing central dopamine concentrations to improve motor symptoms.

A. By neutralizing existing stomach acid through its alkaline properties. B. By stimulating the production of bicarbonate to buffer the stomach acid C. By inhibiting the proton pump enzyme, preventing hydrogen ion exchange in parietal cells D. By selectively blocking H2 receptors in the stomach which suppresses gastric acid secretion.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. By neutralizing existing stomach acid through its alkaline properties:Neutralizing existing acid is the mechanism of antacids, not H2 receptor antagonists. Cimetidine does not chemically neutralize acid; it reduces acid production.

B. By stimulating the production of bicarbonate to buffer the stomach acid:Bicarbonate secretion is a natural protective mechanism of the gastric mucosa, but cimetidine does not stimulate bicarbonate. This does not explain its acid-reducing effect.

C. By inhibiting the proton pump enzyme, preventing hydrogen ion exchange in parietal cells:Proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole) act on the H⁺/K⁺ ATPase enzyme in parietal cells. Cimetidine works through H2 receptor antagonism, not by directly inhibiting the proton pump.

D. By selectively blocking H2 receptors in the stomach which suppresses gastric acid secretion:Cimetidine binds to H2 receptors on gastric parietal cells, preventing histamine from stimulating acid production. This decreases both basal and meal-stimulated gastric acid secretion, effectively reducing GERD symptoms.

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A patient brought to the ER is unconscious and is suspected of experiencing hypoglycemia. The hyperglycemic, glucagon is delivered IM to counteract this condition. What does the nurse understand to be the pharmacologic action of this drug?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is providing education to a student nurse on how carbidopa levodopa controls symptoms of Parkinson's Disease. The nurse will identify which of the following as the pharmacologic effects

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is prescribed the histamine antagonist, cimetidine. How does cimetidine pharmacologically reduce the amount of stomach acid?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A patient with hyperlipidemia is prescribed a statin medication. The patient asks the nurse how this medication will help him. What statement below is most appropriate for the nurse to make?

A patient has presented to the ER with signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding and a history of peptic ulcers. From the categories below, which drug should the nurse expect the doctor to order?

A nurse is assessing a client following administration of an opioid narcotic. Which of the following findings indicates a decrease in the client's pain?

When administering a medication that requires peak and trough levels, what is the nurse's best action?

A nurse is caring for a patient with Parkinson's disease who has been prescribed carbidopa/levodopa. The patient reports new onset of hallucinations and impulsive behaviors. Which nursing action is the most appropriate priority?

Your patient is reporting a complete resolution of his symptoms 3 weeks after starting the H2 antagonist medication, cimetidine. His prescription is for 4 weeks of treatment, Which statement best reflects what the nurse's instructions should be?

A patient prescribed the benzodiazepine alprazolam for anxiety reports to the nurse that they consume alcohol heavily on weekends. Which statement made by the nurse is important education the patient should receive before beginning their new medication?