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When monitoring a patient who is taking a cholinergic drug, the nurse will watch for which cardiovascular effect?

A.

Tachycardia

B.

Palpitations

C.

Vasoconstriction

D.

Bradycardia

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.    Tachycardia is not typically associated with cholinergic drug effects. Cholinergic stimulation tends to slow down the heart rate rather than increase it.
B.    Palpitations may occur with certain cardiac arrhythmias or in response to sympathetic stimulation, but they are not typically associated with cholinergic drug effects.
C.    Cholinergic drugs are more likely to cause vasodilation rather than vasoconstriction.

Therefore, vasoconstriction is not a common cardiovascular effect of cholinergic drug therapy.

D.    Bradycardia is a common cardiovascular effect of cholinergic drug therapy. Cholinergic stimulation slows down the heart rate by increasing parasympathetic activity, particularly at the
 
sinoatrial (SA) node. Therefore, bradycardia is the cardiovascular effect that nurses should monitor for when administering cholinergic drugs.
 


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. These are adverse effects that usually subside after a few weeks: While some adverse effects of phenobarbital may diminish over time, the symptoms described by the patient are more likely related to its impact on REM sleep.
B. The drug must be stopped immediately because of possible adverse effects: Stopping phenobarbital abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms and potential rebound seizures; discontinuation should be done gradually under medical supervision.
C. This drug causes deprivation of REM sleep and may cause the inability to deal with normal stress: Phenobarbital is known to disrupt REM sleep, leading to emotional lability, irritability, and difficulty coping with stress.
D. This drug causes the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep period to increase, resulting in nightmares and restlessness: Phenobarbital actually decreases REM sleep, which can lead to disturbances in sleep patterns and mood changes.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Dobutamine is a sympathomimetic drug used to increase cardiac output in conditions such as heart failure. It is not an antidote for cholinergic drug overdose.
B. Atropine sulfate is the antidote for cholinergic drug overdose. It acts as a competitive antagonist to acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, counteracting the effects of excessive cholinergic stimulation.
C. Atenolol is a beta-blocker used to manage hypertension and certain cardiac conditions. It is not an antidote for cholinergic drug overdose.
D. Bethanechol is a cholinergic agonist used to stimulate bladder contractions in urinary retention. It is not an antidote for cholinergic drug overdose; in fact, it would exacerbate cholinergic effects.

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