How does ephedrine act on the body?

Acts directly on alpha-Adrenergic receptor sites

Stimulates the release of norepinephrine

Acts directly on Beta-Adrenergic receptor sites

Stimulates the release of Dopamine

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A) Acts directly on alpha-adrenergic receptor sites: Ephedrine does not act exclusively or directly on alpha-adrenergic receptors. While it can have some alpha-adrenergic effects, its primary mechanism is through the release of norepinephrine, which then activates both alpha and beta receptors. Therefore, this option is not entirely accurate for describing ephedrine's mode of action.

B) Stimulates the release of norepinephrine: Ephedrine primarily works by stimulating the release of norepinephrine from nerve terminals. The released norepinephrine then acts on both alpha and beta adrenergic receptors, leading to vasoconstriction (via alpha receptors) and increased heart rate and force of contraction (via beta receptors). This dual action helps raise blood pressure and improve cardiac output, making this the most accurate description of ephedrine's mechanism of action.

C) Acts directly on beta-adrenergic receptor sites: Although ephedrine does have beta-adrenergic effects (increasing heart rate and contractility), its primary mechanism is the indirect release of norepinephrine. It does not act directly on beta-receptors to the same extent as medications like isoproterenol. Therefore, while it does have beta-receptor activity, the main action is through norepinephrine release.

D) Stimulates the release of dopamine: Ephedrine does not primarily stimulate dopamine release. Dopamine release is more associated with drugs like levodopa or certain dopaminergic agents used in conditions like Parkinson’s disease. Ephedrine primarily affects norepinephrine and, to a lesser extent, acts on dopamine receptors, but it is not primarily a dopamine-releasing agent.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Increase in mental acuity: Beta-adrenergic blockers (beta-blockers) do not directly affect mental acuity. In fact, some beta-blockers may cause side effects like fatigue or drowsiness, which can affect mental sharpness. Beta-blockers primarily focus on cardiovascular effects, not cognitive function, making this an unlikely therapeutic goal for their use.
B) Slowing of gastrointestinal motility: Beta-blockers can reduce sympathetic nervous system activity, which may indirectly affect the gastrointestinal system. However, slowing gastrointestinal motility is not a primary therapeutic goal of beta-blocker therapy. The main action of beta-blockers is in the cardiovascular system, not in regulating GI function.
C) Decreased production in gastric acid: Beta-blockers do not significantly reduce gastric acid production. Medications such as proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers are typically used for managing gastric acid production or reflux. Beta-blockers focus on reducing the workload of the heart and controlling blood pressure, not on acid secretion.
D) Reduction in the heart rate and blood pressure: The primary therapeutic effect of beta-blockers is the reduction of heart rate (negative chronotropic effect) and blood pressure (due to reduced cardiac output and inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system). This is especially beneficial for managing conditions like hypertension, heart failure, and arrhythmias. It is the most likely goal of beta-blocker therapy prescribed by the provider.

A. Celecoxib (Celebrex) B. Enteric-coated aspirin C. Nabumetone (Relafen) D. A COX-2 inhibitor

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Celecoxib (Celebrex):
Celecoxib is a selective COX-2 inhibitor that targets the cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme, which is primarily responsible for inflammation, pain, and fever. COX-2 inhibitors tend to cause less gastrointestinal irritation compared to nonselective NSAIDs like aspirin, which block both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. Because aspirin is causing gastrointestinal upset, switching to Celecoxib, which is less likely to irritate the stomach lining, may be an appropriate option to prevent myocardial infarction while minimizing gastrointestinal discomfort.

B) Enteric-coated aspirin:
Enteric-coated aspirin is designed to dissolve in the small intestine rather than the stomach, which may reduce some gastrointestinal irritation. However, it does not eliminate the risk entirely, and it still functions as a COX-1 inhibitor. If the patient is already experiencing gastrointestinal upset, simply switching to enteric-coated aspirin may not be sufficient to alleviate the discomfort, and other options should be considered.

C) Nabumetone (Relafen):
Nabumetone is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with some COX-2 selectivity. While it may cause less gastrointestinal upset than non-selective NSAIDs like aspirin, it is still an NSAID and carries a risk of gastrointestinal side effects, especially with prolonged use.
D) A COX-2 inhibitor:
While COX-2 inhibitors, including Celecoxib, are typically effective in reducing inflammation and pain with fewer gastrointestinal side effects than traditional NSAIDs, the term "a COX-2 inhibitor" could refer to various drugs, and Celecoxib (Celebrex) is the most commonly used.

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How does ephedrine act on the body?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client primary care provider prescribed a B-adrenergic receptor blocker. Which of the following therapeutic effects do the client and care provider likely seek?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A patient is taking aspirin to help prevent myocardial infarction and is experiencing moderate gastrointestinal upset. The nurse will contact the patient’s provider to discuss changing from aspirin to which drug?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse assumes care of a patient who has myasthenia gravis and notes that a dose of neostigmine (Prostigmin) due 1 hour prior was not given. The nurse will anticipate the patient to exhibit which symptoms?

The nurse is preparing to care for a patient who has myasthenia gravis. The nurse will be alert to symptoms affecting which body system in this patient?

Which of the following catecholamines may have a vasodilator effect on renal blood vessels and be prescribed for a client in shock who are experiencing renal insufficiency manifestations?

The nurse administers a drug to a patient whose heart rate is bradycardic aimed at increasing heart rate and myocardial activity. What adrenergic receptor is this drug stimulating?

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A patient who has been diagnosed with depression asks why the provider has not ordered a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor to treat the disorder. The nurse will explain to the patient that MAO inhibitors

Which patient may require a higher-than-expected dose of an opioid analgesic?

A young woman, who lives alone, comes home at night to find a man in her apartment. What body responses would be expected for this young woman?