The nurse administers a drug that causes vasoconstriction, contracted piloerection muscles, pupil dilation, closure of salivary sphincter, and male sexual emission. What receptor is the drug stimulating?
Beta 1- receptors
Beta 2- receptors
Alpha 2- receptors
Alpha 1-receptors
The Correct Answer is D
A) Beta 1-receptors:
Beta 1-receptors are primarily found in the heart, and their stimulation leads to increased heart rate and contractility. These receptors are not typically involved in vasoconstriction, pupil dilation, or piloerection.
B) Beta 2-receptors:
Beta 2-receptors are primarily located in smooth muscles such as the bronchi and blood vessels. Their stimulation causes smooth muscle relaxation, leading to bronchodilation and vasodilation. Beta 2-receptors are not responsible for the effects of vasoconstriction, piloerection, or pupil dilation described in the question, making this option incorrect.
C) Alpha 2-receptors:
Alpha 2-receptors are involved in the inhibition of norepinephrine release and play a role in regulating sympathetic tone. They are not primarily responsible for vasoconstriction or the other physiological responses listed in the question. Alpha 2-stimulation typically results in decreased sympathetic activity, not the effects described here.
D) Alpha 1-receptors:
Alpha 1-receptors are located on smooth muscle, including the blood vessels, and their stimulation results in vasoconstriction. They are also involved in other actions such as piloerection (hair standing on end), pupil dilation (mydriasis), and closure of the salivary sphincter. Additionally, they play a role in male sexual emission (ejaculation). The physiological responses described in the question—vasoconstriction, piloerection, pupil dilation, and male sexual emission—are all consistent with alpha 1-receptor stimulation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Norepinephrine (Levophed): Norepinephrine is a potent vasoconstrictor primarily used in acute hypotensive states to raise blood pressure. It is not indicated for the treatment of seasonal rhinitis, as its primary effect is not on the nasal passages or the symptoms associated with allergies, such as congestion.
B) Dopamine (Intropin): Dopamine is typically used in critical care settings for conditions such as shock and low blood pressure. While it affects dopaminergic and adrenergic receptors to improve renal perfusion and increase heart rate, it is not used to treat conditions like seasonal rhinitis, which involve nasal congestion.
C) Ephedrine (generic): Ephedrine is a sympathomimetic drug that stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors, leading to vasoconstriction in the nasal passages and a reduction in swelling and congestion. This makes it a suitable choice for managing the symptoms of seasonal rhinitis, as it helps relieve nasal congestion by constricting blood vessels in the nasal mucosa.
D) Dobutamine (Dobutrex): Dobutamine is primarily used in the treatment of heart failure and shock because it increases heart rate and cardiac output. It does not have the properties needed to alleviate nasal congestion in rhinitis and is therefore not appropriate for this condition.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Increase in mental acuity: Beta-adrenergic blockers (beta-blockers) do not directly affect mental acuity. In fact, some beta-blockers may cause side effects like fatigue or drowsiness, which can affect mental sharpness. Beta-blockers primarily focus on cardiovascular effects, not cognitive function, making this an unlikely therapeutic goal for their use.
B) Slowing of gastrointestinal motility: Beta-blockers can reduce sympathetic nervous system activity, which may indirectly affect the gastrointestinal system. However, slowing gastrointestinal motility is not a primary therapeutic goal of beta-blocker therapy. The main action of beta-blockers is in the cardiovascular system, not in regulating GI function.
C) Decreased production in gastric acid: Beta-blockers do not significantly reduce gastric acid production. Medications such as proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers are typically used for managing gastric acid production or reflux. Beta-blockers focus on reducing the workload of the heart and controlling blood pressure, not on acid secretion.
D) Reduction in the heart rate and blood pressure: The primary therapeutic effect of beta-blockers is the reduction of heart rate (negative chronotropic effect) and blood pressure (due to reduced cardiac output and inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system). This is especially beneficial for managing conditions like hypertension, heart failure, and arrhythmias. It is the most likely goal of beta-blocker therapy prescribed by the provider.
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