Chapter 21: Cholinergic Drugs
Sealock: Lilley’s Pharmacology for Canadian Health Care Practice
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which is a cardiovascular effect of cholinergic drugs?
a. Bradycardia b. Tachycardia
c. Vasoconstriction d. Palpitations
ANS: A
The cardiovascular effects of cholinergic drugs are decreased heart rate (bradycardia) and vasodilation.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge
2. How are most direct-acting cholinergic drugs mainly used?
a. As antidotes for anticholinergic poisoning b. Topically to reduce intraocular pressure
c. Orally in preparation for ocular surgery
d. For the diagnosis and treatment of myasthenia gravis
ANS: B
Direct-acting cholinergic drugs (with the exception of bethanechol [Urecholine®]) are poorly absorbed
orally and are used topically to reduce intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma and in patients
undergoing ocular surgery.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension
3. When an overdose of an intravenous cholinergic drug occurs, which drug, administered promptly,
can reverse a cholinergic crisis?
a. atenolol (Tenormin)
b. bethanechol (Duvoid®)
c. dobutamine
d. atropine sulphate
, ANS: D
Prompt administration of atropine sulphate can reverse a toxic dose of a cholinergic drug.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension
4. A patient has had abdominal surgery and is being discharged on a cholinergic drug to assist in
increasing gastrointestinal peristalsis. Which therapeutic effects should the nurse teach the patient to
watch for?
a. Decreased pulse rate b. Abdominal cramping c. Passage of flatus d. Decreased frequency and
urgency of voiding patterns
ANS: C
Patients experiencing a postoperative decrease in gastrointestinal peristalsis should watch for an
increase in bowel sounds, the passage of flatus, and the occurrence of bowel movements that indicate
increased gastrointestinal peristalsis.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis
5. A patient has been newly diagnosed with myasthenia gravis. What important information should the
nurse give this patient about the administration of cholinergic drugs?
a. The medication should be taken with meals to avoid gastrointestinal distress.
b. Daytime dosages should be given close together for maximal therapeutic effect.
c. The medication should be taken 30 minutes before eating, to improve swallowing and chewing.
d. Expected adverse effects are increased muscle weakness, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea,
which should subside in a few days.
ANS: C
Sealock: Lilley’s Pharmacology for Canadian Health Care Practice
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which is a cardiovascular effect of cholinergic drugs?
a. Bradycardia b. Tachycardia
c. Vasoconstriction d. Palpitations
ANS: A
The cardiovascular effects of cholinergic drugs are decreased heart rate (bradycardia) and vasodilation.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge
2. How are most direct-acting cholinergic drugs mainly used?
a. As antidotes for anticholinergic poisoning b. Topically to reduce intraocular pressure
c. Orally in preparation for ocular surgery
d. For the diagnosis and treatment of myasthenia gravis
ANS: B
Direct-acting cholinergic drugs (with the exception of bethanechol [Urecholine®]) are poorly absorbed
orally and are used topically to reduce intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma and in patients
undergoing ocular surgery.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension
3. When an overdose of an intravenous cholinergic drug occurs, which drug, administered promptly,
can reverse a cholinergic crisis?
a. atenolol (Tenormin)
b. bethanechol (Duvoid®)
c. dobutamine
d. atropine sulphate
, ANS: D
Prompt administration of atropine sulphate can reverse a toxic dose of a cholinergic drug.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension
4. A patient has had abdominal surgery and is being discharged on a cholinergic drug to assist in
increasing gastrointestinal peristalsis. Which therapeutic effects should the nurse teach the patient to
watch for?
a. Decreased pulse rate b. Abdominal cramping c. Passage of flatus d. Decreased frequency and
urgency of voiding patterns
ANS: C
Patients experiencing a postoperative decrease in gastrointestinal peristalsis should watch for an
increase in bowel sounds, the passage of flatus, and the occurrence of bowel movements that indicate
increased gastrointestinal peristalsis.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis
5. A patient has been newly diagnosed with myasthenia gravis. What important information should the
nurse give this patient about the administration of cholinergic drugs?
a. The medication should be taken with meals to avoid gastrointestinal distress.
b. Daytime dosages should be given close together for maximal therapeutic effect.
c. The medication should be taken 30 minutes before eating, to improve swallowing and chewing.
d. Expected adverse effects are increased muscle weakness, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea,
which should subside in a few days.
ANS: C
