Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: They act to block the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system. Anticholinergic agents inhibit the action of acetylcholine, the primary neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic nervous system. By blocking muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, these agents reduce parasympathetic stimulation, leading to effects such as decreased salivation, decreased GI motility, and pupil dilation.


Choice A is incorrect because anticholinergic agents do not compete with serotonin for receptor sites; they primarily target acetylcholine receptors.
Choice B is incorrect as anticholinergic agents do not directly affect norepinephrine levels at the neuromuscular junction.
Choice C is incorrect because anticholinergic agents primarily target muscarinic receptors, not nicotinic receptors.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Acetaminophen (Tylenol). Acetaminophen is recommended for children due to its safety profile and effectiveness in reducing pain and fever. Ibuprofen and aspirin can be used in children over 6 months old, but aspirin is not recommended for children due to the risk of Reye's syndrome. Diflunisal is not typically used in children. In summary, acetaminophen is the safest and most appropriate choice for a 5-year-old child's pain relief.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pupil dilation. Anticholinergic drugs block the action of acetylcholine, leading to pupil dilation by inhibiting the constriction of the sphincter muscle in the iris. This effect is beneficial in ophthalmology for procedures like dilation exams and treating conditions like uveitis.
Choice A is incorrect as anticholinergics cause pupil dilation, not restriction.
Choice B is incorrect because anticholinergics actually increase lacrimal secretions instead of decreasing them.
Choice D is incorrect as sedation is not a typical effect of anticholinergic drugs in ophthalmology.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dizziness. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that can cause dizziness as an adverse effect due to its effect on the central nervous system. The nurse should assess for dizziness as it can impact the patient's safety and may indicate toxicity. Tinnitus (
A) is a potential side effect of lidocaine, but it is less common than dizziness. Dysphagia (
C) is not a typical adverse effect of lidocaine. Excessive bruising (
D) is not associated with lidocaine therapy.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Alter the formation of the platelet plug. Antiplatelet medications work by inhibiting platelet aggregation, preventing the formation of blood clots. They do not stimulate the plasmin system (
A), initiate the clotting cascade (
C), or interfere with the clotting cascade (
D). By blocking platelet aggregation, these medications help reduce the risk of thrombosis and cardiovascular events.