A student asked the pharmacology instructor to describe the function of a cholinergic agonist.
What would be the instructor’s reply?
Cholinergic agonist decreases the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor sites throughout the body.
Cholinergic agonist decreases the activity of norepinephrine throughout the body.
Cholinergic agonist increases the activity of dopamine receptor sites throughout the brain and spinal cord.
Cholinergic agonist increases the activity of acetylcholine receptor sites throughout the body.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
This choice is incorrect. Cholinergic agonists primarily affect acetylcholine receptors, not GABA receptors. GABA receptors are involved in the inhibitory neurotransmission in the central nervous system and are the target of different drug classes, such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates, which are not related to cholinergic agonists.
Choice B rationale
This choice is incorrect. Cholinergic agonists do not decrease norepinephrine activity. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter involved in the sympathetic nervous system response, which is different from the cholinergic system. Drugs that decrease norepinephrine activity would have a different mechanism of action, such as adrenergic antagonists.
Choice C rationale
This choice is incorrect. The primary action of cholinergic agonists is not to increase dopamine activity. Dopamine is another neurotransmitter involved in various brain functions, including reward and motor control. Cholinergic agonists specifically target acetylcholine receptors, enhancing their activity, which is not related to dopamine receptors.
Choice D rationale
This choice is correct. Cholinergic agonists increase the activity of acetylcholine receptor sites throughout the body. These drugs mimic the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the parasympathetic nervous system, which regulates functions such as muscle contraction, gland secretion, and heart rate. Enhancing acetylcholine activity helps in conditions like myasthenia gravis and certain types of glaucoma.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Poor self-care is not directly associated with reddened, bleeding gums in this context.
Choice B rationale
While aspirin can cause bleeding issues, the context here is related to seizure disorder and phenytoin.
Choice C rationale
Phenytoin, an anticonvulsant used to manage seizures, can cause gingival hyperplasia, leading to reddened and bleeding gums.
Choice D rationale
Hepatotoxicity is related to liver damage and does not present with reddened, bleeding gums.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Magnesium plays a role in muscle relaxation but is not primarily responsible for muscle contraction. It helps in stabilizing the muscle membrane by acting as a natural calcium blocker. Deficiency in magnesium can lead to muscle cramps and spasms, but it does not directly cause muscle contraction and relaxation processes.
Choice B rationale
Chloride is an essential electrolyte involved in maintaining fluid balance and acid-base balance, but it does not directly influence muscle contraction and relaxation. It works in conjunction with sodium to regulate osmotic pressure and acid-base balance.
Choice C rationale
Calcium is crucial for muscle contraction. It is released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum within the muscle cells and binds to troponin, causing a conformational change that allows actin and myosin to interact and generate contraction. During relaxation, calcium ions are pumped back into the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
Choice D rationale
Hydrogen ions are involved in pH balance and acid-base regulation but do not directly affect muscle contraction and relaxation. Excess hydrogen ions (acidosis) can impair muscle function, but they are not the primary factor in muscle contraction processes.
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