PHARMACOLOGY EXAM 3 STUDY GUIDE 2025/2026
COMPLETE QUESTIONS BANK AND CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES || 100%
GUARANTEED PASS <BRAND NEW VERSION>
A nurse is teaching nursing students about the use of alpha-
adrenergic antagonists. Which statement by the student indicates
the need for further teaching?
A. "Alpha-adrenergic antagonists block alpha1 receptors on
arterioles and veins."
B. "Dilation of arterioles has a direct effect on arterial
pressure."
C. "Dilation of veins by alpha-adrenergic antagonists improves
cardiac output."
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D. "Venous dilation by alpha-adrenergic antagonists indirectly
lowers arterial pressure." ......ANSWER........Correct: C
Cardiac output is decreased as a result of the venous dilation
caused by alpha-adrenergic antagonists. Alpha-adrenergic
antagonists block alpha1 receptors on both arterioles and veins.
When alpha1 receptors on arterioles are blocked by alpha-
adrenergic antagonists, a direct effect on arterial pressure
occurs. When alpha1 receptors on veins are blocked by alpha-
adrenergic antagonists, an indirect effect on arterial pressure
occurs.
Chapter 18
A patient with pheochromocytoma is admitted for surgery. The
surgeon has ordered an alpha-blocking agent to be given
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preoperatively. What does the nurse understand about this
agent?
A. It is ordered to prevent perioperative hypertensive crisis.
B. It prevents secretion of catecholamines by the adrenal tumor.
C. It reduces contraction of smooth muscles in the adrenal
medulla.
D. It is given chronically after the surgery to prevent
hypertension. ......ANSWER........Correct: A
Manipulation of the adrenal tumor in patients with
pheochromocytoma can cause a massive catecholamine release.
Alpha-adrenergic antagonists are given to reduce the risk of
acute hypertension during surgery. These agents do not prevent
secretion of catecholamines; they block catecholamine receptor
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sites. They do not act on the tissue of the adrenal medulla. They
are given chronically in patients who have inoperable tumors.
Chapter 18
A patient with type I diabetes is taking NPH insulin, 30 units
every day. A nurse notes that the patient is also taking
metoprolol (Lopressor). What education should the nurse provide
to the patient?
A. "Metoprolol has no effect on diabetes mellitus or on your
insulin requirements."
B. "Metoprolol interferes with the effects of insulin, so you may
need to increase your insulin dose."
C. "Metoprolol may mask signs of hypoglycemia, so you need
to monitor your blood glucose closely."