A patient’s heart rate is found to be 72 beats per minute and regular. The nurse evaluates which
situation in the patient’s peripheral nervous
... [Show More] system?
Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. The sympathetic system is in control.
2. The parasympathetic system is dominating.
3. Both parasympathetic and sympathetic systems are influencing cardiac status.
4. The autonomic nervous system is affecting cardiac status.
5. The somatic nervous system is affecting cardiac status.
Correct Answer: 2,3,4
Rationale 2: Restful cardiac response indicates that the primary input is from the parasympathetic
system.
Rationale 3: These two systems work in tandem to regulate the cardiac response.
Rationale 4: Both the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems are part of the autonomic system.
2. A nurse is reading about the development of drugs that inhibit the parasympathetic nervous system.
The nurse would look for articles about which drug classes?
Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. Anticholinergics
2. Parasympathomimetics
3. Parasympatholytics
4. Cholinergics
5. Muscarinic blockers
Correct Answer: 1,3,5
Rationale 1: Anticholinergics inhibit the parasympathetic nervous system.
Rationale 3: Parasympatholytic drugs inhibit the parasympathetic nervous system.
Rationale 5: Muscarinic blockers inhibit the parasympathetic nervous system.
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Pharmacology Exam Study Guide Test Bank Complete Latest 2022
Question 3
Type: Hot Spot
Mark the site of the ganglionic synapse on this diagram.
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Answer: 3
Rationale: The ganglionic synapse is the gap between the preganglionic neuron and the postganglionic
neuron.
Question 4
Type: MCMA
A patient has been prescribed an oral drug containing atropine. The nurse would hold the drug and
Contact the prescriber if which patient statements are made?
Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. “I would like to wait a few minutes to take this as I just drank some aloe juice.”
2. “Can I take this at the same time as my procainamide?”
3. “I have had a headache this morning.”
4. “I am allergic to penicillin.”
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5. “My gallbladder surgery is scheduled for next week.”
Correct Answer: 1,2
Rationale 1: Atropine should be used with caution in those who use aloe.
Rationale 2: There is a drug–drug interaction between atropine and procainamide.
Question 5
Type: MCSA
The nurse has completed medication education about pyridostigmine (Mestinon), an indirect cholinergic
drug, for the patient with myasthenia gravis. The nurse determines that learning has occurred when the
patient makes which statement?
1. "My heart may beat slower while I am on this drug."
2. "I will need to increase my fluid intake with this medication."
3. "I must take this medication immediately before eating a full meal."
4. "It is really important to take my medication on time."
Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 4: Maintaining an optimum blood level of the drug is crucial in promoting muscle functioning,
so it is important for the patient to take his medication on time and as directed.
Question 6
Type: MCSA
The physician has ordered bethanechol (Urecholine), a cholinergic drug, for the patient with urinary
retention. The patient also has an enlarged prostate gland. What is the priority action by the nurse?
1. Hold the drug and prepare to catheterize the patient.
2. Administer the drug and measure urinary output.
3. Administer the drug and push fluids.
4. Hold the drug and contact the physician.
Correct Answer: 4.
Rationale 4: Bethanechol (Urecholine) relaxes the urinary sphincter and increases voiding pressure. It is
contraindicated with any physical obstruction of the urinary tract, such as an enlarged prostate gland.
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Question 7
Type: MCSA
The preop patient will be receiving glycopyrrolate (Robinul), an anticholinergic drug, and asks the nurse,
"Why do I need to have that shot?" What is the best response by the nurse?
1. "It will decrease your respiratory secretions during surgery."
2. "It will increase your urinary output during surgery."
3. "It will help you breathe better during surgery."
4. "It will help maintain your blood pressure during surgery."
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Anticholinergics dry secretions; a decrease in respiratory secretions is indicated prior to
surgery.
Question 8
Type: MCSA
The nurse is preparing to administer medications to a group of patients. One of the medications is
benztropine (Cogentin), an anticholinergic drug. This drug is contraindicated in which patient?
1. The patient with a fractured femur
2. The patient with tachycardia
3. The patient with an irritable colon
4. The patient with diarrhea
Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 2: Anticholinergic drugs increase the heart rate; a patient with tachycardia should not receive
benztropine (Cogentin).
Question 9
Type: MCSA
The nurse is preparing to administer medications to a group of patients. One of the medications is
atropine, an anticholinergic drug. This drug is contraindicated in which patient?
1. The patient with glaucoma
ALL THE BEST
2. The patient with hyperthyroidism
3. The patient with a hiatal hernia
4. The patient with lung cancer
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Anticholinergic drugs can increase pressure in the eye; they must be avoided in patients
with glaucoma.
Question 10
Type: MCSA
The physician orders dicyclomine (Bentyl), an anticholinergic drug, for a patient. What is the nurse's
priority assessment prior to administering this drug?
1. Does the patient have light sensitivity?
2. Is the patient able to urinate?
3. Does the patient have a history of alcoholism?
4. Is the patient dizzy upon standing?
Correct Answer: 2. Rationale 2: Anticholinergic drugs can cause or increase urinary hesitancy or
retention.
Question 11
Type: MCSA
The patient is quadriplegic and receives oxybutynin (Ditropan), an anticholinergic drug, to increase his
bladder capacity. What is an important assessment of this patient by the nurse?
1. Is he irritable?
2. Is he constipated?
3. Is he gaining weight?
4. Is he lethargic?
Correct Answer: 2. Rationale 2: Anticholinergics slow gastrointestinal (GI) motility and can increase the
risk for constipation.
Question 12
Type: MCMA
The nursing instructor teaches the student nurses about the nervous system. The instructor determines
that learning has occurred when the students make which statement(s)?
Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. "The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord."
2. "The peripheral nervous system has mainly sensory functions."
3. "The somatic nervous system gives us voluntary control over our gastrointestinal (GI) tract."
4. "The nervous system helps us react to environmental changes."
5. "The somatic nervous system gives us voluntary control over moving."
Correct Answer: 1,4,5
Rationale 1: The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord.
Rationale 4: The nervous system provides reaction to environmental changes.
Rationale 5: The somatic nervous system provides voluntary control over moving.
Question 13
Type: MCMA
The nursing instructor teaches the student nurses about the autonomic nervous system. The instructor
determines that learning has occurred when the students make which statement(s)?
Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. "The sympathetic and parasympathetic systems are not always opposite in their effects."
2. "The parasympathetic nervous system is the "fight-or-flight" response."
3. "Sympathetic stimulation causes dilation of arterioles."
4. "The parasympathetic nervous system causes bronchial constriction."
5. "The sympathetic nervous system is activated under stress."
Correct Answer: 1,4,5
Rationale 1: The sympathetic and parasympathetic systems are not always opposite in their effects.
Rationale 4: The parasympathetic nervous system causes bronchial constriction.
Rationale 5: The sympathetic nervous system is activated under stress.
Question 14
Type: MCSA
The student nurse asks the nursing instructor, "Do the medications we are studying actually make more
neurotransmitters?" What is the best response by the nursing instructor?
1. "No, but medications can heal diseases of the autonomic nervous system."
2. "Yes, some of the newer medications are very good at doing this."
3. "Yes, but the newer drugs that do this have some serious side effects."
4. "No, medications can only increase or decrease the action of neurotransmitters."
Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 4: Medications cannot manufacture new neurotransmitters; they can only increase or
decrease their action.
Question 15
Type: MCSA
The ability of a person to use his arm muscles to lift a weight is primarily regulated by
1. the somatic nervous system.
2. the sympathetic nervous system.
3. the autonomic nervous system.
4. the parasympathetic nervous system.
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: The somatic nervous system (a division of the peripheral nervous system) controls
voluntary movement such as lifting a weight.
Question 16
Type: MCSA
Which of the following responses are regulated by the sympathetic nervous system?
1. Increased heart rate, bronchial constriction
2. Peripheral artery dilation, reduced peristalsis
3. Increased secretions, sex organ stimulation
4. Relaxation of bladder, pupil dilation
Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 4: Relaxation of the bladder and pupil dilation is regulated by the sympathetic nervous
system.
Question 17
Type: MCSA
A person who had her adrenergic receptors activated would experience
1. fight-or-flight effects.
2. rest-and-digest effects.
3. increased blood volume.
4. bronchial constriction.
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Adrenergic receptors are found within the sympathetic nervous system. Sympathetic
nervous system activation produces the fight-or-flight response.
Question 18
Type: MCSA
Which substance would inhibit the function of the autonomic nervous system?
1. Drugs that bind and then stimulate the postsynaptic neuron
2. Drugs that prohibit neurotransmitter reuptake
3. Drugs that increase neurotransmitter synthesis
4. Drugs that prevent the storage of neurotransmitter in vesicles
Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 4: The more neurotransmitter available, the greater the function/stimulation of the
autonomic nervous system.
Question 19
Type: MCSA
Which cholinergic receptor type is found at the ganglionic synapse of both the sympathetic and
parasympathetic nervous systems?
1. Alpha receptors
2. Muscarinic
3. Nicotinic
4. Beta receptors
Correct Answer: 3. Rationale 3: Nicotinic receptors are found at the ganglionic synapse of both
sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Question 20
Type: MCMA
A patient is prescribed an anticholinergic drug. What discharge instructions should the nurse provide?
Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. Wear sunglasses in bright light.
2. Limit fluid intake.
3. Increase fiber intake.
4. Avoid hot showers.
5. Avoid milk and dairy products.
Correct Answer: 1,3,4
Rationale 1: Anticholinergic drugs may cause photosensitivity.
Rationale 3: Use of anticholinergics increases risk for constipation. Fiber intake should be increased.
Rationale 4: Use of anticholinergics reduces ability of patients to sweat and self-regulate temperature.
Hot environments, including hot showers and baths, should be avoided.
Question 21
Type: MCSA
Which statement is accurate regarding exogenous acetylcholine?
1. Acetylcholine has almost no therapeutic effects because it is rapidly destroyed once given.
2. Acetylcholine is broken down rapidly within the body, preventing it from producing adverse effects.
3. Acetylcholine will cause the heart rate to increase and blood pressure to drop.
4. When given in small amounts, acetylcholine will produce profound parasympathetic effects.
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Exogenous acetylcholine is not generally administered, because it is rapidly destroyed by
the body.
Question 22
Type: MCSA
The nurse explains that atropine (Atropair) increases heart rate in which manner?
1. Blocking the beta receptors of the parasympathetic nervous system.
2. Directly stimulating the sympathetic nervous system.
3. Potentiating the effects of acetylcholine on nicotinic receptors.
4. Blocking the effects of acetylcholine by occupying muscarinic receptors [Show Less]