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 C

Explanation

A) Are no longer approved for treating depression: MAO inhibitors (MAOIs) are still approved and used to treat depression, especially in cases where other medications have not been effective. They are not considered obsolete, though their use has become less common due to the availability of safer, more tolerable options. This is not the primary reason why MAOIs may not be prescribed.

B) Are more expensive than other antidepressants: While cost can be a factor in medication choice, it is not the primary reason why MAO inhibitors are less frequently prescribed for depression. There are other more significant concerns, such as side effects and dietary restrictions, that make other medications a preferred first-line choice.

C) Require strict dietary restrictions: This is the most accurate explanation. MAO inhibitors can cause dangerous interactions with certain foods that contain high levels of tyramine, such as aged cheeses, cured meats, and fermented products. Consuming these foods while on an MAOI can lead to a hypertensive crisis, which is a life-threatening condition. Because of these dietary restrictions, patients on MAOIs must adhere to a strict diet, which can be challenging to manage.

D) Can cause profound hypotension: While hypotension can occur as a side effect of MAOIs, it is not the most significant concern. The more serious risk with MAOIs is the potential for a hypertensive crisis due to dietary interactions with tyramine-containing foods, rather than hypotension. Therefore, the dietary restrictions are a more pressing issue than the risk of hypotension.

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

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How does ephedrine act on the body?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient who has been diagnosed with depression asks why the provider has not ordered a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor to treat the disorder. The nurse will explain to the patient that MAO inhibitors

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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