McKenna's Pharmacology for Nursing, 2e

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P A R T 5  Drugs acting on the autonomic nervous system

C H E C K Y O U R U N D E R S T A N D I N G

6. The parasympathetic nervous system, in most situations, opposes the actions of the sympathetic nervous system, allowing the autonomic nervous system to: a. generally have no effect. b. maintain a fine control over internal homeostasis. c. promote digestion. d. respond to stress most effectively. 7. Cholinergic neurons, those using acetylcholine as their neurotransmitter, would be least likely found in: a. motor nerves on skeletal muscles. b. preganglionic nerves in the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. c. postganglionic nerves in the parasympathetic system. d. the adrenal medulla. 8. Stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system would cause: a. slower heart rate and increased GI secretions.

Answers to the questions in this chapter can be found in Appendix A at the back of this book.

MULTIPLE CHOICE Select the best answer to the following.

1. When describing the functions of the autonomic nervous system, which of the following would the instructor include?

a. maintenance of balance and posture b. maintenance of the special senses

c. regulation of integrated internal body functions d. coordination of peripheral and central nerve pathways 2. The autonomic nervous system differs from other systems in the CNS in that it: a. uses only peripheral pathways. b. affects organs and muscles via a two-neuron system. c. uses a unique one-neuron system. d. bypasses the CNS in all of its actions. 3. If you suspect that a person is very stressed and is experiencing a sympathetic stress reaction, you would expect to find: a. increased bowel sounds and urinary output. b. constricted pupils and warm, flushed skin. c. slow heart rate and decreased systolic blood pressure. d. dilated pupils and elevated systolic blood pressure. 4. The nurse determines that the beta 2 -receptors in the sympathetic nervous system have been stimulated by which finding? a. increased heart rate b. increased myocardial contraction 5. Once a postganglionic receptor site has been stimulated, the neurotransmitter must be broken down immediately. The sympathetic system breaks down postganglionic neurotransmitters by using: a. liver enzymes and acetylcholinesterase. b. acetylcholinesterase and MAO. c. COMT and liver enzymes. d. MAO and COMT. c. bronchial dilation d. uterine contraction

b. faster heart rate and urinary retention. c. vasoconstriction and bronchial dilation. d. pupil dilation and muscle paralysis.

MULTIPLE RESPONSE Select all that apply. 1. The sympathetic nervous system:

a. is called the thoracolumbar system. b. is called the fight-or-flight system. c. is called the craniosacral system.

d. uses acetylcholine as its sole neurotransmitter. e. uses adrenaline as its sole neurotransmitter. f. is active during a stress reaction. 2. The sympathetic system uses catecholamines at the postganglionic receptors. Which of the following are considered to be catecholamines? a. dopamine

b. noradrenaline c. acetylcholine d. adrenaline e. monoamine oxidase f. serotonin