A student asks the pharmacology instructor to explain the action of anticholinergic agents.
What would be the instructor's best response?
They compete with serotonin for muscarinic acetylcholine receptor sites.
They increase norepinephrine at the neuromuscular junction.
They block nicotinic receptors.
They act to block the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Serotonin does not compete with anticholinergic agents at muscarinic acetylcholine receptor sites; anticholinergics target these receptors to inhibit the parasympathetic nervous system.
Choice B rationale
Anticholinergics do not increase norepinephrine at the neuromuscular junction.
Choice C rationale
Nicotinic receptors are primarily affected by different classes of drugs, such as neuromuscular blockers.
Choice D rationale
Anticholinergics inhibit the actions of the parasympathetic nervous system by blocking muscarinic receptors, reducing bodily functions like saliva production, digestion, and urination.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Many complementary or alternative therapies can interact with prescribed medications, potentially causing serious health problems.
Choice B rationale
This is not a valid reason for asking about alternative therapies, as the nurse's role is to ensure safe and effective use of prescribed medications.
Choice C rationale
Non-compliance is not the primary concern when asking about alternative therapies; potential interactions are.
Choice D rationale
The cost of treatments is a consideration, but it is not the primary reason for asking about alternative therapies.
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