The nurse administers a drug that stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. What physiologic response would indicate that the drug is working?
Pupil dilation
Increased gastrointestinal motility
Vasoconstriction
Increased heart rate
The Correct Answer is B
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E","F"]
Explanation
A) Bradycardia: Bradycardia is a common symptom of a cholinergic crisis. It results from excessive acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, which can overstimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to a decrease in heart rate.
B) Rash: A rash is not a typical symptom of a cholinergic crisis. Rash might occur as a side effect of medications or other conditions, but it is not a hallmark feature of a cholinergic crisis in myasthenia gravis.
C) Vomiting: Vomiting is a potential symptom of a cholinergic crisis. It occurs due to the excessive stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which can cause gastrointestinal distress and nausea.
D) Fever: Fever is not typically associated with a cholinergic crisis, but it can occur if there is an underlying infection or other condition. A cholinergic crisis itself usually leads to symptoms like weakness and excessive salivation, not fever.
E) Weakness: Weakness is a hallmark symptom of a cholinergic crisis, as it results from overstimulation at the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle fatigue and paralysis. This is similar to the symptoms of myasthenia gravis, but in a cholinergic crisis, the weakness is more profound.
F) Drooling: Drooling is another common symptom of a cholinergic crisis. Excessive acetylcholine can lead to excessive salivation due to overstimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Tell the spouse that medication therapy can be curative if drugs are begun in time: Medication for Parkinson's disease (PD), such as levodopa, can help manage symptoms, but it is not curative. PD is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, and while medications can improve quality of life by alleviating symptoms, they do not stop the disease’s progression. Therefore, suggesting that medication therapy can be curative would be misleading.
B) Recommend exercise, nutritional counseling, and group support to help manage the disease: This is the most accurate and appropriate response. While medications are an important part of managing Parkinson's disease, non-pharmacological approaches, such as exercise, nutritional counseling, and support groups, play a critical role in improving overall function, mobility, and quality of life. Exercise, in particular, can help maintain mobility and reduce rigidity, while a balanced diet can assist in managing issues like constipation or swallowing difficulties. Group support can provide emotional support and help the patient and family navigate the challenges of living with PD.
C) Tell the spouse that the disease will not progress if mild symptoms are treated early: Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive condition, and while early treatment can help manage symptoms, it does not prevent the disease from progressing. Suggesting that the disease will not progress if symptoms are treated early would be unrealistic and could create false hope.
D) Counsel the spouse that parkinsonism is a normal part of the aging process in some people: While Parkinson's disease symptoms may appear in older adults, it is not a normal part of aging. Parkinson’s disease is a specific neurodegenerative condition, and its symptoms, such as tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity, go beyond normal age-related changes. Misleading the spouse by categorizing it as "normal aging" would undermine the importance of proper diagnosis, treatment, and care.
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