How does ephedrine act on the body?

Acts directly on alpha-Adrenergic receptor sites

Stimulates the release of norepinephrine

Acts directly on Beta-Adrenergic receptor sites

Stimulates the release of Dopamine

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A) Acts directly on alpha-adrenergic receptor sites: Ephedrine does not act exclusively or directly on alpha-adrenergic receptors. While it can have some alpha-adrenergic effects, its primary mechanism is through the release of norepinephrine, which then activates both alpha and beta receptors. Therefore, this option is not entirely accurate for describing ephedrine's mode of action.

B) Stimulates the release of norepinephrine: Ephedrine primarily works by stimulating the release of norepinephrine from nerve terminals. The released norepinephrine then acts on both alpha and beta adrenergic receptors, leading to vasoconstriction (via alpha receptors) and increased heart rate and force of contraction (via beta receptors). This dual action helps raise blood pressure and improve cardiac output, making this the most accurate description of ephedrine's mechanism of action.

C) Acts directly on beta-adrenergic receptor sites: Although ephedrine does have beta-adrenergic effects (increasing heart rate and contractility), its primary mechanism is the indirect release of norepinephrine. It does not act directly on beta-receptors to the same extent as medications like isoproterenol. Therefore, while it does have beta-receptor activity, the main action is through norepinephrine release.

D) Stimulates the release of dopamine: Ephedrine does not primarily stimulate dopamine release. Dopamine release is more associated with drugs like levodopa or certain dopaminergic agents used in conditions like Parkinson’s disease. Ephedrine primarily affects norepinephrine and, to a lesser extent, acts on dopamine receptors, but it is not primarily a dopamine-releasing agent.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Celecoxib (Celebrex):
Celecoxib is a selective COX-2 inhibitor that targets the cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme, which is primarily responsible for inflammation, pain, and fever. COX-2 inhibitors tend to cause less gastrointestinal irritation compared to nonselective NSAIDs like aspirin, which block both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. Because aspirin is causing gastrointestinal upset, switching to Celecoxib, which is less likely to irritate the stomach lining, may be an appropriate option to prevent myocardial infarction while minimizing gastrointestinal discomfort.

B) Enteric-coated aspirin:
Enteric-coated aspirin is designed to dissolve in the small intestine rather than the stomach, which may reduce some gastrointestinal irritation. However, it does not eliminate the risk entirely, and it still functions as a COX-1 inhibitor. If the patient is already experiencing gastrointestinal upset, simply switching to enteric-coated aspirin may not be sufficient to alleviate the discomfort, and other options should be considered.

C) Nabumetone (Relafen):
Nabumetone is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with some COX-2 selectivity. While it may cause less gastrointestinal upset than non-selective NSAIDs like aspirin, it is still an NSAID and carries a risk of gastrointestinal side effects, especially with prolonged use.
D) A COX-2 inhibitor:
While COX-2 inhibitors, including Celecoxib, are typically effective in reducing inflammation and pain with fewer gastrointestinal side effects than traditional NSAIDs, the term "a COX-2 inhibitor" could refer to various drugs, and Celecoxib (Celebrex) is the most commonly used.

A. Excessive salivation B. Respiratory paralysis C. Muscle weakness D. Muscle spasms

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Excessive salivation: Neostigmine (Prostigmin) is a cholinesterase inhibitor, which works by increasing the levels of acetylcholine at neuromuscular junctions. If a dose is missed, excessive salivation can be a side effect of too much acetylcholine activity, but it is not the most immediate symptom in this case. Muscle weakness is a more direct consequence of a missed dose.

B) Respiratory paralysis: While respiratory weakness or paralysis can occur in myasthenia gravis, it is usually associated with a severe form of the disease or if the patient is in a myasthenic crisis. A single missed dose of neostigmine typically does not result in respiratory failure unless the patient is already in a very fragile state.

C) Muscle weakness: Neostigmine helps to improve neuromuscular transmission by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, which is crucial for muscle contraction. A missed dose would directly lead to a reduction in acetylcholine levels, exacerbating the characteristic muscle weakness of myasthenia gravis. Muscle weakness is the most anticipated symptom when neostigmine is not administered on time.

D) Muscle spasms: Muscle spasms are typically not a symptom of missed neostigmine therapy. Instead, muscle weakness occurs due to impaired neuromuscular transmission. Spasms might occur if there is significant overstimulation of the muscles, but this is more associated with electrolyte imbalances or other neuromuscular issues

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How does ephedrine act on the body?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient is taking aspirin to help prevent myocardial infarction and is experiencing moderate gastrointestinal upset. The nurse will contact the patient’s provider to discuss changing from aspirin to which drug?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse assumes care of a patient who has myasthenia gravis and notes that a dose of neostigmine (Prostigmin) due 1 hour prior was not given. The nurse will anticipate the patient to exhibit which symptoms?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Which of these is a neurotransmitter?

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