Question 1

Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for activating the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and what type of receptors does it mainly act on?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine; alpha and beta receptors

Question 2

A patient is given a beta-2 agonist medication. Which physiological effect should the nurse expect to observe?

Accepted Answer

Bronchodilation

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the effect of an antagonist on a receptor, as shown in the first image?

Accepted Answer

It blocks the receptor, resulting in no activation

Question 4

A patient is experiencing urinary retention, dry mouth, and blurred vision after taking a new medication. Which class of drug is most likely responsible for these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Anticholinergic

Question 5

Which of the following is a correct pairing of receptor type and its primary physiological effect?

Accepted Answer

Beta-1: Increased heart rate

Question 6

A patient with asthma is prescribed albuterol. Which receptor does this medication primarily target, and what is the expected effect?

Accepted Answer

Beta-2; bronchodilation

Question 7

During exercise, which division of the autonomic nervous system predominates, and what is a key physiological response?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic; increased heart rate

Question 8

A patient is prescribed metoprolol, a selective beta-1 blocker. What is the expected pharmacological effect?

Accepted Answer

Decreased heart rate

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why non-selective autonomic drugs are more likely to cause adverse effects?

Accepted Answer

They bind to multiple receptor types, affecting several organ systems

Question 10

A client experiences dizziness and lightheadedness when standing up quickly. Which autonomic reflex is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Baroreceptor reflex

Question 11

Which of the following drugs is a cholinergic agonist and what is its primary effect?

Accepted Answer

Bethanechol; increased GI motility

Question 12

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of drug selectivity in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

A drug that only binds to beta-1 receptors, primarily affecting the heart

Question 13

Which of the following is a likely adverse effect of an anticholinergic medication, as shown in the third image?

Accepted Answer

Urinary retention

Question 14

A patient is given propranolol, a non-selective beta blocker. Which of the following effects might be observed?

Accepted Answer

Bronchoconstriction and decreased heart rate

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of baroreceptors in autonomic homeostasis?

Accepted Answer

They sense changes in blood pressure and trigger reflexes to maintain stability

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct match between a drug and its autonomic classification?

Accepted Answer

Albuterol: adrenergic agonist

Question 17

A patient is prescribed scopolamine for motion sickness. Which of the following side effects should the nurse monitor for, based on its anticholinergic properties?

Accepted Answer

Dry mouth and blurred vision

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why a beta-1 antagonist would be used to treat hypertension?

Accepted Answer

It decreases heart rate and contractility, lowering blood pressure

Question 19

Which of the following is a likely effect of stimulating muscarinic receptors in the gastrointestinal tract?

Accepted Answer

Increased GI motility

Question 20

A patient is given phenylephrine, an alpha-1 agonist. Which of the following effects should be expected?

Accepted Answer

Vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure

Basics of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Structure, Function, and Pharmacology

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