Chapter 12

Which condition would alert the nurse of the need to use beta adrenergic blockers cautiously?

Emphysema

A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) reports having insomnia and a racing heart after starting terbutaline therapy. Which explanation by the nurse is most accurate?

The symptoms will tend to resolve with continued therapy.

A patient with Parkinsons disease asks the nurse why anticholinergics are used in the treatment. Which response by the nurse is most accurate?

These drugs inhibit the action of acetylcholine.

Why are beta blockers used cautiously in patients with respiratory conditions?

They may produce severe bronchoconstriction

A patient with a history of type 1 diabetes after myocardial infarction has been placed on a beta adrenergic blocking agent. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?

This medication lowers my blood pressure by helping me get rid of fluid.

What is the primary response to alpha 1 receptor stimulation?

Vasoconstriction

An older adult patient is to receive atenolol, a beta adrenergic blocking agent. Prior to administration of the drug, the nurse assesses an apical pulse rate of 58 and notes ankle edema. Which action will the nurse take first?

Withhold the medication.

A long term care resident is taking an anticholinergic agent. The nurse observes the resident to be disoriented and hallucinating. The priority nursing action is to:

provide for residents safety.

A patient hospitalized in an acute care setting reports to the nurse that since starting on an adrenergic medication, he has been feeling dizzy and weak. The most appropriate action for the nurse is to:

monitor the blood pressure in both the supine and standing positions.

Which nerve endings liberate norepinephrine?

Adrenergic

. Which category of medications is used for peripheral vascular diseases characterized by excessive vasoconstriction, such as Raynauds disease?

Alpha adrenergic blocking agents

The autonomic nervous system can be subdivided into which types of adrenergic receptors?

Alpha and beta

Prior to the administration of metoprolol, a beta adrenergic blocking agent, which is most important for the nurse to assess?

Blood pressure

Which body function(s) is/are controlled by the autonomic nervous system? (Select all that apply.)

Blood pressure GI secretion Body temperature Urination

Before the initiation of anticholinergic medications, it is important for the nurse to screen patients for which condition?

Closed angle glaucoma

Which adverse effect(s) is/are common when a patient is receiving a cholinergic agent? (Select all that apply.)

Nausea Dizziness Bradycardia

A patient is being discharged on an adrenergic bronchodilator. Which common adverse effect(s) will the nurse include in discharge teaching? (Select all that apply.)

Palpitations Dizziness Orthostatic hypotension Tremors

Which instruction(s) given by the nurse will assist a patient to cope with the common adverse effects of anticholinergic medications? (Select all that apply.)

Increase fluids daily. Suck on candy or ice chips

Which statement(s) is/are true about efferent nerves? (Select all that apply.)

They leave the CNS to carry impulses to other body parts. They are part of the peripheral nervous system. They transmit signals that control contractions of smooth and skeletal muscle. They transmit signals that control contractions of some glandular secretions

The nurse is caring for a patient taking a cholinergic agent. When auscultating lung sounds, the nurse notes inspiratory and expiratory wheezing bilaterally. The best action for the nurse to take would be to:

withhold the next dose and notify the physician.