,NSG 124 Exam 4 Pharmacology Questions And Answers 2026/2027
HERZING UNIVERSITY
Q1. Which neurotransmitter is released by all preganglionic
autonomic neurons?
A) Acetylcholine
B) Dopamine
C) Serotonin
D) Histamine
Correct Answer: A) Acetylcholine
Rationale: Acetylcholine is released by all preganglionic neurons of both the
sympathetic and parasympathetic autonomic nervous systems.
Q2. Which neurotransmitter is released by most postganglionic
parasympathetic neurons?
A) Norepinephrine
B) Acetylcholine
C) Dopamine
D) Epinephrine
Correct Answer: B) Acetylcholine
Rationale: Most postganglionic parasympathetic neurons release
acetylcholine onto muscarinic receptors at their target organs.
Q3. Which receptor type is primarily located at parasympathetic
target organs?
A) Muscarinic
B) Beta-1
C) Alpha-1
D) Nicotinic M
Correct Answer: A) Muscarinic
Rationale: Muscarinic receptors mediate the effects of acetylcholine at most
parasympathetic effector organs.
Q4. Activation of muscarinic receptors in the heart generally
produces which response?
A) Increased heart rate
B) Decreased heart rate
C) Increased ventricular contractility in every case
D) Severe vasoconstriction
Correct Answer: B) Decreased heart rate
Rationale: Muscarinic stimulation of the heart, particularly M2 receptors,
decreases sinoatrial node activity and slows the heart rate.
, Q5. Which response is expected when muscarinic receptors in the
gastrointestinal tract are stimulated?
A) Decreased intestinal motility
B) Increased intestinal motility and secretions
C) Complete cessation of digestion
D) Severe vasoconstriction
Correct Answer: B) Increased intestinal motility and secretions
Rationale: Parasympathetic muscarinic stimulation promotes
gastrointestinal secretions and smooth-muscle activity.
Q6. Which effect occurs when muscarinic receptors in the bladder
are activated?
A) Detrusor relaxation
B) Detrusor contraction and increased voiding
C) Urinary sphincter contraction only
D) Complete urinary retention
Correct Answer: B) Detrusor contraction and increased voiding
Rationale: Muscarinic stimulation contracts the detrusor and facilitates
relaxation of the bladder outlet, promoting urination.
Q7. Bethanechol is classified as which type of medication?
A) Muscarinic agonist
B) Muscarinic antagonist
C) Beta blocker
D) Alpha-1 antagonist
Correct Answer: A) Muscarinic agonist
Rationale: Bethanechol directly stimulates muscarinic receptors and
promotes parasympathetic activity.
Q8. Which condition is an indication for bethanechol?
A) Urinary retention without mechanical obstruction
B) Severe urinary obstruction from a stone
C) Tachycardia
D) Asthma exacerbation
Correct Answer: A) Urinary retention without mechanical obstruction
Rationale: Bethanechol stimulates bladder contraction and can help clients
with urinary retention when mechanical obstruction is absent.
Q9. Which adverse effect should the nurse anticipate with excessive
muscarinic stimulation?
A) Dry mouth
B) Bradycardia
HERZING UNIVERSITY
Q1. Which neurotransmitter is released by all preganglionic
autonomic neurons?
A) Acetylcholine
B) Dopamine
C) Serotonin
D) Histamine
Correct Answer: A) Acetylcholine
Rationale: Acetylcholine is released by all preganglionic neurons of both the
sympathetic and parasympathetic autonomic nervous systems.
Q2. Which neurotransmitter is released by most postganglionic
parasympathetic neurons?
A) Norepinephrine
B) Acetylcholine
C) Dopamine
D) Epinephrine
Correct Answer: B) Acetylcholine
Rationale: Most postganglionic parasympathetic neurons release
acetylcholine onto muscarinic receptors at their target organs.
Q3. Which receptor type is primarily located at parasympathetic
target organs?
A) Muscarinic
B) Beta-1
C) Alpha-1
D) Nicotinic M
Correct Answer: A) Muscarinic
Rationale: Muscarinic receptors mediate the effects of acetylcholine at most
parasympathetic effector organs.
Q4. Activation of muscarinic receptors in the heart generally
produces which response?
A) Increased heart rate
B) Decreased heart rate
C) Increased ventricular contractility in every case
D) Severe vasoconstriction
Correct Answer: B) Decreased heart rate
Rationale: Muscarinic stimulation of the heart, particularly M2 receptors,
decreases sinoatrial node activity and slows the heart rate.
, Q5. Which response is expected when muscarinic receptors in the
gastrointestinal tract are stimulated?
A) Decreased intestinal motility
B) Increased intestinal motility and secretions
C) Complete cessation of digestion
D) Severe vasoconstriction
Correct Answer: B) Increased intestinal motility and secretions
Rationale: Parasympathetic muscarinic stimulation promotes
gastrointestinal secretions and smooth-muscle activity.
Q6. Which effect occurs when muscarinic receptors in the bladder
are activated?
A) Detrusor relaxation
B) Detrusor contraction and increased voiding
C) Urinary sphincter contraction only
D) Complete urinary retention
Correct Answer: B) Detrusor contraction and increased voiding
Rationale: Muscarinic stimulation contracts the detrusor and facilitates
relaxation of the bladder outlet, promoting urination.
Q7. Bethanechol is classified as which type of medication?
A) Muscarinic agonist
B) Muscarinic antagonist
C) Beta blocker
D) Alpha-1 antagonist
Correct Answer: A) Muscarinic agonist
Rationale: Bethanechol directly stimulates muscarinic receptors and
promotes parasympathetic activity.
Q8. Which condition is an indication for bethanechol?
A) Urinary retention without mechanical obstruction
B) Severe urinary obstruction from a stone
C) Tachycardia
D) Asthma exacerbation
Correct Answer: A) Urinary retention without mechanical obstruction
Rationale: Bethanechol stimulates bladder contraction and can help clients
with urinary retention when mechanical obstruction is absent.
Q9. Which adverse effect should the nurse anticipate with excessive
muscarinic stimulation?
A) Dry mouth
B) Bradycardia
