ATI LPN
Pharmacology and the Nursing Process 10th Edition Test Bank
Chapter 18 : Adrenergic Drugs Questions
Question 1 of 5
When a patient is taking an adrenergic agonist drug, the nurse expects to observe which effect?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Increased heart rate is one of the effects of adrenergic drugs. Sympathetic nervous system stimulation also results in bronchodilation, dilated pupils, and decreased gastrointestinal motility, depending upon which receptors are stimulated.
Question 2 of 5
An adrenergic agonist is ordered for a patient in shock. The nurse will note that this drug has had its primary intended effect if which expected outcome occurs?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For a patient in shock, a primary benefit of an adrenergic agonist drug is to increase cardiac output. A drug in this category should not be used in place of volume restoration, nor does it provide volume restoration (IV fluids do this). Adrenergic agonists may enhance urine output if cardiac output and perfusion to the kidneys increase. These drugs do not reduce anxiety.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is administering a stat dose of epinephrine. Epinephrine is appropriate for which situation?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Treatment of cardiac arrest is an indication for the use of epinephrine. The other options are not indications for epinephrine.
Question 4 of 5
A patient is on a low-dose dobutamine drip for heart failure. She had been feeling better but now has a sense of tightness in her chest, palpitations, and a bit of anxiety. Her heart rate is up to 110 beats/min, and her blood pressure is 150/98 mm Hg (increased from previous readings of 86 beats/min and 120/80 mm Hg). What is the nurse's immediate concern for this patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Because dobutamine is a vasoactive adrenergic, it works by increasing the cardiac output in heart failure patients by increasing myocardial contractility and stroke volume. However, adrenergic drugs may worsen a preexisting cardiac disorder, such as causing a myocardial infarction in a patient with coronary artery disease. The other options are incorrect.
Question 5 of 5
A 14-year-old patient has been treated for asthma for almost 4 months. Two weeks ago, she was given salmeterol as part of her medication regimen. However, her mother has called the clinic to report that it does not seem to work when her daughter is having an asthma attack. Which response by the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Salmeterol is indicated for the prevention of bronchospasms, not treatment of acute symptoms. The dosage is usually two puffs twice daily, 12 hours apart, for maintenance effects in patients older than 12 years of age. The other options are incorrect.