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 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 A
Explanation
A) Norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin:
Depression has been strongly linked to deficiencies in certain neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. These neurotransmitters play significant roles in regulating mood, emotions, and behavior. When their levels are low, individuals may experience symptoms of depression, such as sadness, low energy, anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure), and difficulty concentrating. Antidepressant medications often work by increasing the availability of these neurotransmitters in the brain.
B) Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, and Acetylcholine:
While norepinephrine plays a key role in depression, epinephrine and acetylcholine are not typically highlighted as the primary neurotransmitters involved in depression. Epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) is more associated with the body’s stress response and fight-or-flight reaction. Acetylcholine is involved in memory and learning processes, but it is not the primary neurotransmitter related to depression.
C) Acetylcholine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and serotonin:
Acetylcholine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are involved in many brain functions, but they are not the primary neurotransmitters linked to depression. While GABA may play a role in mood regulation, it is not typically associated with depression in the same way that serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine are. Serotonin is the exception in this answer
D) Gamma-aminobutyric acid, dopamine, and epinephrine:
Although dopamine is involved in depression, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and epinephrine are not the key neurotransmitters associated with the pathophysiology of depression. Epinephrine primarily affects the stress response, and while GABA does influence mood and anxiety, it is not the main neurotransmitter linked to depression itself.
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