A patient is admitted to the emergency department in shock. Isoproterenol (Isuprel) is admitted. What would the nurse expect the effect of this drug would be?

A) Norepinephrine (Levophed): Norepinephrine is a potent vasoconstrictor primarily used in acute hypotensive states to raise blood pressure. It is not indicated for the treatment of seasonal rhinitis, as its primary effect is not on the nasal passages or the symptoms associated with allergies, such as congestion.

B) Dopamine (Intropin): Dopamine is typically used in critical care settings for conditions such as shock and low blood pressure. While it affects dopaminergic and adrenergic receptors to improve renal perfusion and increase heart rate, it is not used to treat conditions like seasonal rhinitis, which involve nasal congestion.

C) Ephedrine (generic): Ephedrine is a sympathomimetic drug that stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors, leading to vasoconstriction in the nasal passages and a reduction in swelling and congestion. This makes it a suitable choice for managing the symptoms of seasonal rhinitis, as it helps relieve nasal congestion by constricting blood vessels in the nasal mucosa.

D) Dobutamine (Dobutrex): Dobutamine is primarily used in the treatment of heart failure and shock because it increases heart rate and cardiac output. It does not have the properties needed to alleviate nasal congestion in rhinitis and is therefore not appropriate for this condition.

A) Central nervous system (CNS), memory, and cognition: Myasthenia gravis (MG) primarily affects the neuromuscular junction, causing muscle weakness, not directly the central nervous system. While cognitive function may be affected in some patients due to fatigue or medication side effects, it is not the main system affected by MG.

B) Cardiovascular system and postural muscles: Myasthenia gravis primarily affects skeletal muscles, especially those responsible for voluntary movements like facial muscles, swallowing, and respiratory muscles. While MG can lead to general weakness, it does not typically affect the cardiovascular system directly.

C) Respiratory system and facial muscles: This is the correct answer. Myasthenia gravis primarily affects the voluntary muscles, particularly those controlling eye movements, facial expressions, swallowing, and breathing. The respiratory system is vulnerable due to weakness of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, which can lead to respiratory distress in severe cases. Facial muscles are commonly affected, leading to symptoms like ptosis (drooping eyelids) and difficulty smiling or speaking.

D) Gastrointestinal system (GI) and lower extremity muscles: Although myasthenia gravis can cause generalized muscle weakness, it is not typically associated with the gastrointestinal system. The primary impact is on the voluntary muscles, such as those in the face, throat, and respiratory system. Lower extremity muscles can be affected, but the respiratory and facial muscles are more commonly involved.