NUR 370 – LM 2 Q&A (70+ Questions) – ANS Pharmacology, Stress, Immunity, Pain Pathways

This expert-verified Learning Module 2 for NUR 370 delivers over 70 detailed Q&A entries on essential topics including autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulation, stress physiology, immune response, and pain mechanisms. Designed for BSN and ABSN nursing students, it bridges foundational science with clinical pharmacology, helping learners understand systemic regulation, medication actions, and nursing implications. The autonomic nervous system section explains the roles of the sympathetic (“fight or flight”) and parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) systems in regulating homeostasis. It details how neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, epinephrine, and acetylcholine interact with alpha, beta, muscarinic, and nicotinic receptors, and how adrenergic and cholinergic drugs work as agonists or antagonists for treating shock, asthma, urinary retention, and more. Included pharmacologic agents: Epinephrine and dopamine (adrenergic agonists) Nonselective adrenergic blockers Direct-acting cholinergic agonists Anticholinergic agents (parasympatholytics) In the stress and homeostasis section, the document covers: HPA axis regulation GAS (General Adaptation Syndrome): alarm, resistance, exhaustion Acute vs. chronic stress impacts on immune function and health Negative feedback systems and neural/endocrine integration during stress The immune response module outlines: Leukocyte types (T-cells, B-cells, macrophages, NK cells) Lymphoid tissues (bone marrow, spleen, lymph nodes) Cytokines and immune proteins like TNF, interleukins, interferons Innate and adaptive immunity, including natural vs. artificial immunity (active/passive) The final section focuses on pain physiology and pharmacology: Types of pain: nociceptive, neuropathic, psychogenic Pain fibers: A, A-delta, and C fibers Gate Control Theory and the pain transmission pathway Opioid receptor sites, opioid agonists (e.g., morphine), and opioid agonist-antagonists for moderate to severe pain management Best suited for: Nursing students studying pharmacology, pathophysiology, or neuro/immune systems Learners preparing for NUR 370 exams or NCLEX coverage of ANS, pain, or immunity Clinical prep on sympathetic vs. parasympathetic drug mechanisms Comprehensive and exam-aligned, this Q&A guide makes it easy to grasp complex drug-receptor interactions, body-wide systemic responses, and foundational concepts critical to safe nursing care. Keywords: sympathetic system, parasympathetic drugs, adrenergic agonists, cholinergic receptors, HPA axis, stress response, immune defense, cytokines, leukocytes, pain fibers, gate control theory, opioid agonists, nociceptive pain, NUR 370