Pharmacology Nursing Test Questions and Answers
Rated A
What are the major functions of the α1 receptor?
- - Increase vascular smooth muscle
contraction, increase pupillary dilator muscle What are the major functions of the D1 receptor?
contraction (mydriasis), increase intestinal and - - Relaxes renal vascular smooth muscle
bladder sphincter muscle contraction
What are the major functions of the D2 receptor?
What are the major functions of the α2 receptor? - - Modulates transmitter release,
- - Decrease sympathetic outflow, especially in the brain
decrease insulin release, decrease lipolysis,
increase platelet aggregation, decrease aqueous
humor production What are the major functions of the H1 receptor?
- - Increase nasal and bronchial mucus
production, increase vascular permeability,
What are the major functions of the β1 receptor? contraction of bronchioles, pruritis, pain
- - Increase heart rate, increase
contractility, increase renin release, increase
lipolysis What are the major functions of the H2 receptor?
- - Increase gastric acid secretion
What are the major functions of the β2 receptor?
- - Vasodilation, bronchodilation, increase What are the major functions of the V1 receptor?
lipolysis, increase insulin release, decrease - - Increase vascular smooth muscle
uterine tone (tocolysis), ciliary muscle relaxation, contraction
increase aqueous humor production
What are the major functions of the V2 receptor?
What are the major functions of the M1 receptor? - - Increase H2O permeability and
- - CNS, enteric nervous system reabsorption in collecting tubules of kidney (V2 is
found in the "2" kidneys)
What are the major functions of the M2 receptor?
- - Decrease heart rate and contractility of What receptors are associate with Gq? - -
atria H1, α1, V1, M1, and M3
What are the major functions of the M3 receptor? What receptors are associated with Gs? - -
- - Increase exocrine gland secretions H2, B1, B2, V2, D1
(e.g., lacrimal, salivary, gastric acid), increase
gut peristalsis, increase bladder contraction,
increase bronchoconstriction, pupillary sphincter What receptors are associated with Gi? - -
muscle contraction (miosis), ciliary muscle M2, α2, D2
contraction (accommodation)
,Pharmacology Nursing Test Questions and Answers
Rated A
Edrophonium - - -Anticholinesterse -
Bethanechol - - -Direct cholinergic agonist increases ACh
-Activates bowel and bladder smooth muscle -Historically used to diagnose myasthenia gravis
-Used in postoperative and neurogenic ileus (MG is now diagnosed by anti-AChR Ab test.
-Resistant to AChE
Neostigmine - - -Anticholinesterse -
Carbachol - - -Direct cholinergic agonist increases ACh
-Carbon copy of acetylcholine -Used in postoperative and neurogenic ileus and
-Constricts pupils and relieves intraocular urinary retention, myasthenia gravis, and
pressure in glaucoma postoperative reversal of neuromuscular junction
blockade
Methacholine - - -Direct cholinergic agonist
-Stimulates muscarinic receptors in airways Physostigmine - - -Anticholinesterse -
when inhaled increases ACh
-Used as a challenge test for diagnosis of -Used in anticholinergic toxicity
asthma -Crosses the blood-brain barrier (CNS)
Pilocarpine - - -Direct cholinergic agonist Pyridostigmine - - -Anticholinesterse -
-Contracts ciliary muscle of eye (open angle increases ACh
glaucoma), contracts pupillary sphincter (closed -Increases muscle strength
angle glaucoma) -Used in myasthenia gravis (long acting)
-Potent stimulator of sweat, tears and saliva -Does not penetrate CNS
-AChE resistant
Atropine - - -Muscarinic antagonist
Donepezil - - -Anticholinesterse - increases -Used in bradycardia and for ophthalmic
ACh applications
-Alzheimer disease -Also used as antidote for cholinesterase inhibitor
poisoning
-Actions include increase pupil dilation,
Galantamine - - -Anticholinesterse - cycloplegia, decreased airway secretions,
increases ACh decreased acid secretions, decreased gut
-Alzheimer disease motility, decreased bladder urgency in cystitis
-Toxicity: increased body temp (due to decreased
sweating), rapid pulse, dry mouth, dry and
Rivastigmine - - -Anticholinesterse - flushed skin, cycloplegia, constipation,
increases ACh disorientation;
-Alzheimer disease -Can cause acute angle-closure glaucoma in
elderly (due to mydriasis), urinary retention in
men with prostatic hyperplasia, and hyperthermia
in infants
,Pharmacology Nursing Test Questions and Answers
Rated A
-See also homatropine and tropicamide
Scopalamine - - -Muscarinic antagonist
Benztropine - - -Muscarinic antagonist -Motion sickness
-Works in CNS
-Used in Parkinson disease and acute dystonia
Tetrodotoxin - - -Poisoning can result from
ingestion of poorly prepared puffer fish (exotic
Glycopyrrolate - - -Muscarinic antagonist sushi)
-Parental use: preoperative use to reduce airway -Highly potent toxin that binds fast voltage-gated
secretions Na+ channels in cardiac and nerve tissue,
-Oral use: drooling, peptic ulcer preventing depolarization - blocks action potential
without changing resting potential (same
mechanism as Lidocaine)
Hyoscyamine - - -Muscarinic antagonist -Causes nausea, diarrhea, paresthesias,
-Antispasmodics for IBS weakness, dizziness, loss of reflexes.
-Treatment is primarily supportive.
Dicyclomide - - -Muscarinic antagonist
-Antispasmodics for IBS Ciguatoxin - - -Consumption of reef fish
(e.g. barracuda, snapper, eel...)
-Causes ciguatera fish poisoning.
Ipratropium - - -Muscarinic antagonist -Opens Na+ channels causing depolarization.
-Used in COPD and asthma Symptoms easily confused with cholinergic
poisoning.
-Temperature-related dysesthesia (e.g., "cold
feels hot; hot feels cold") is regarded as a specific
Tiotropium - - -Muscarinic antagonist
finding of ciguatera.
-Used in COPD and asthma
-Treatment is primarily supportive.
Oxybutynin - - -Muscarinic antagonist
Scombroid poisoning - - -Caused by
-Reduced bladder spasms and urge urinary
consumption of dark-meat fish (e.g., bonito,
incontinence
mackerel, mahi-mahi, tuna) improperly stored at
warm temperature.
-Bacterial histidine decarboxylase converts
Solifenacin - - -Muscarinic antagonist histidine to histamine. Histamine is not degraded
-Reduced bladder spasms and urge urinary by cooking.
incontinence -Acute-onset burning sensation of the mouth,
flushing of face, erythema, urticaria, pruritus,
headache. May cause anaphylaxis-like
Tolterodine - - -Muscarinic antagonist presentation (i.e., bronchospasm, angioedema,
-Reduced bladder spasms and urge urinary hypotension).
incontinence -Frequently misdiagnosed as allergy to fish.
, Pharmacology Nursing Test Questions and Answers
Rated A
-Treat supportively with antihistamines; if
needed, antianaphylactics (e.g., bronchodilators, Phenylephrine - - -α1 > α2 direct agonist
epinephrine). -Uses: hypotension (vasoconstrictor), ocular
procedures (mydriatic), rhinitis (decongestant)
Albuterol - - -β2 > β1 direct agonist
-Acute asthma Amphetamine - - -Indirect general
sympathetic agonist
-reuptake inhibitor; also releases stored
Salmterol - - -β2 > β1 direct agonist catecholamines
-Long term asthma or COPD control -Narcolepsy, obesity, ADHD.
Dobutamine - - -β1 > β2, α direct agonist Cocaine - - -Indirect general sympathetic
-Uses: heart failure (HF) (inotropic > agonist
chronotropic), cardiac stress testing. -Reuptake inhibitor
-Causes vasoconstriction and local anesthesia.
-Never give β-blockers if cocaine intoxication is
Dopamine - - -D1 = D2 > β > α direct suspected (can lead to unopposed α1 activation
agonist and extreme hypertension).
-Uses: unstable bradycardia, HF, shock; inotropic
and chronotropic α effects predominate at high
doses. Ephedrine - - -Indirect general sympathetic
agonist
-Releases stored catecholamines
Epinephrine - - -β > α direct agonist -Nasal decongestion, urinary incontinence,
-Uses: anaphylaxis, asthma, open-angle hypotension.
glaucoma;
α effects predominate at high doses. Significantly
stronger effect at β2-receptor than Norepinephrine vs. isoproterenol - --
norepinephrine. Norepinephrine increases systolic and diastolic
pressures as a result of α1-mediated
vasoconstriction causing increased in mean
Isoprterenol - - -β1 = β2 direct agonist arterial pressure and reflex bradycardia. -
-Uses: electrophysiologic evaluation of However, isoproterenol (no longer commonly
tachyarrhythmias. Can worsen ischemia used) has little α effect but causes β2-mediated
vasodilation, resulting in decreased mean arterial
pressure and increased heart rate through β1
Norepinephrine - - -α1 > α2 > β1 direct and reflex activity.
agonist
-Hypotension (butrenal perfusion). Significantly
weaker effect at β2-receptor than epinephrine. Clonidine - - -α2-agonist
-Uses: hypertensive urgency (limited situations);
does not decrease renal blood flow; ADHD,
Rated A
What are the major functions of the α1 receptor?
- - Increase vascular smooth muscle
contraction, increase pupillary dilator muscle What are the major functions of the D1 receptor?
contraction (mydriasis), increase intestinal and - - Relaxes renal vascular smooth muscle
bladder sphincter muscle contraction
What are the major functions of the D2 receptor?
What are the major functions of the α2 receptor? - - Modulates transmitter release,
- - Decrease sympathetic outflow, especially in the brain
decrease insulin release, decrease lipolysis,
increase platelet aggregation, decrease aqueous
humor production What are the major functions of the H1 receptor?
- - Increase nasal and bronchial mucus
production, increase vascular permeability,
What are the major functions of the β1 receptor? contraction of bronchioles, pruritis, pain
- - Increase heart rate, increase
contractility, increase renin release, increase
lipolysis What are the major functions of the H2 receptor?
- - Increase gastric acid secretion
What are the major functions of the β2 receptor?
- - Vasodilation, bronchodilation, increase What are the major functions of the V1 receptor?
lipolysis, increase insulin release, decrease - - Increase vascular smooth muscle
uterine tone (tocolysis), ciliary muscle relaxation, contraction
increase aqueous humor production
What are the major functions of the V2 receptor?
What are the major functions of the M1 receptor? - - Increase H2O permeability and
- - CNS, enteric nervous system reabsorption in collecting tubules of kidney (V2 is
found in the "2" kidneys)
What are the major functions of the M2 receptor?
- - Decrease heart rate and contractility of What receptors are associate with Gq? - -
atria H1, α1, V1, M1, and M3
What are the major functions of the M3 receptor? What receptors are associated with Gs? - -
- - Increase exocrine gland secretions H2, B1, B2, V2, D1
(e.g., lacrimal, salivary, gastric acid), increase
gut peristalsis, increase bladder contraction,
increase bronchoconstriction, pupillary sphincter What receptors are associated with Gi? - -
muscle contraction (miosis), ciliary muscle M2, α2, D2
contraction (accommodation)
,Pharmacology Nursing Test Questions and Answers
Rated A
Edrophonium - - -Anticholinesterse -
Bethanechol - - -Direct cholinergic agonist increases ACh
-Activates bowel and bladder smooth muscle -Historically used to diagnose myasthenia gravis
-Used in postoperative and neurogenic ileus (MG is now diagnosed by anti-AChR Ab test.
-Resistant to AChE
Neostigmine - - -Anticholinesterse -
Carbachol - - -Direct cholinergic agonist increases ACh
-Carbon copy of acetylcholine -Used in postoperative and neurogenic ileus and
-Constricts pupils and relieves intraocular urinary retention, myasthenia gravis, and
pressure in glaucoma postoperative reversal of neuromuscular junction
blockade
Methacholine - - -Direct cholinergic agonist
-Stimulates muscarinic receptors in airways Physostigmine - - -Anticholinesterse -
when inhaled increases ACh
-Used as a challenge test for diagnosis of -Used in anticholinergic toxicity
asthma -Crosses the blood-brain barrier (CNS)
Pilocarpine - - -Direct cholinergic agonist Pyridostigmine - - -Anticholinesterse -
-Contracts ciliary muscle of eye (open angle increases ACh
glaucoma), contracts pupillary sphincter (closed -Increases muscle strength
angle glaucoma) -Used in myasthenia gravis (long acting)
-Potent stimulator of sweat, tears and saliva -Does not penetrate CNS
-AChE resistant
Atropine - - -Muscarinic antagonist
Donepezil - - -Anticholinesterse - increases -Used in bradycardia and for ophthalmic
ACh applications
-Alzheimer disease -Also used as antidote for cholinesterase inhibitor
poisoning
-Actions include increase pupil dilation,
Galantamine - - -Anticholinesterse - cycloplegia, decreased airway secretions,
increases ACh decreased acid secretions, decreased gut
-Alzheimer disease motility, decreased bladder urgency in cystitis
-Toxicity: increased body temp (due to decreased
sweating), rapid pulse, dry mouth, dry and
Rivastigmine - - -Anticholinesterse - flushed skin, cycloplegia, constipation,
increases ACh disorientation;
-Alzheimer disease -Can cause acute angle-closure glaucoma in
elderly (due to mydriasis), urinary retention in
men with prostatic hyperplasia, and hyperthermia
in infants
,Pharmacology Nursing Test Questions and Answers
Rated A
-See also homatropine and tropicamide
Scopalamine - - -Muscarinic antagonist
Benztropine - - -Muscarinic antagonist -Motion sickness
-Works in CNS
-Used in Parkinson disease and acute dystonia
Tetrodotoxin - - -Poisoning can result from
ingestion of poorly prepared puffer fish (exotic
Glycopyrrolate - - -Muscarinic antagonist sushi)
-Parental use: preoperative use to reduce airway -Highly potent toxin that binds fast voltage-gated
secretions Na+ channels in cardiac and nerve tissue,
-Oral use: drooling, peptic ulcer preventing depolarization - blocks action potential
without changing resting potential (same
mechanism as Lidocaine)
Hyoscyamine - - -Muscarinic antagonist -Causes nausea, diarrhea, paresthesias,
-Antispasmodics for IBS weakness, dizziness, loss of reflexes.
-Treatment is primarily supportive.
Dicyclomide - - -Muscarinic antagonist
-Antispasmodics for IBS Ciguatoxin - - -Consumption of reef fish
(e.g. barracuda, snapper, eel...)
-Causes ciguatera fish poisoning.
Ipratropium - - -Muscarinic antagonist -Opens Na+ channels causing depolarization.
-Used in COPD and asthma Symptoms easily confused with cholinergic
poisoning.
-Temperature-related dysesthesia (e.g., "cold
feels hot; hot feels cold") is regarded as a specific
Tiotropium - - -Muscarinic antagonist
finding of ciguatera.
-Used in COPD and asthma
-Treatment is primarily supportive.
Oxybutynin - - -Muscarinic antagonist
Scombroid poisoning - - -Caused by
-Reduced bladder spasms and urge urinary
consumption of dark-meat fish (e.g., bonito,
incontinence
mackerel, mahi-mahi, tuna) improperly stored at
warm temperature.
-Bacterial histidine decarboxylase converts
Solifenacin - - -Muscarinic antagonist histidine to histamine. Histamine is not degraded
-Reduced bladder spasms and urge urinary by cooking.
incontinence -Acute-onset burning sensation of the mouth,
flushing of face, erythema, urticaria, pruritus,
headache. May cause anaphylaxis-like
Tolterodine - - -Muscarinic antagonist presentation (i.e., bronchospasm, angioedema,
-Reduced bladder spasms and urge urinary hypotension).
incontinence -Frequently misdiagnosed as allergy to fish.
, Pharmacology Nursing Test Questions and Answers
Rated A
-Treat supportively with antihistamines; if
needed, antianaphylactics (e.g., bronchodilators, Phenylephrine - - -α1 > α2 direct agonist
epinephrine). -Uses: hypotension (vasoconstrictor), ocular
procedures (mydriatic), rhinitis (decongestant)
Albuterol - - -β2 > β1 direct agonist
-Acute asthma Amphetamine - - -Indirect general
sympathetic agonist
-reuptake inhibitor; also releases stored
Salmterol - - -β2 > β1 direct agonist catecholamines
-Long term asthma or COPD control -Narcolepsy, obesity, ADHD.
Dobutamine - - -β1 > β2, α direct agonist Cocaine - - -Indirect general sympathetic
-Uses: heart failure (HF) (inotropic > agonist
chronotropic), cardiac stress testing. -Reuptake inhibitor
-Causes vasoconstriction and local anesthesia.
-Never give β-blockers if cocaine intoxication is
Dopamine - - -D1 = D2 > β > α direct suspected (can lead to unopposed α1 activation
agonist and extreme hypertension).
-Uses: unstable bradycardia, HF, shock; inotropic
and chronotropic α effects predominate at high
doses. Ephedrine - - -Indirect general sympathetic
agonist
-Releases stored catecholamines
Epinephrine - - -β > α direct agonist -Nasal decongestion, urinary incontinence,
-Uses: anaphylaxis, asthma, open-angle hypotension.
glaucoma;
α effects predominate at high doses. Significantly
stronger effect at β2-receptor than Norepinephrine vs. isoproterenol - --
norepinephrine. Norepinephrine increases systolic and diastolic
pressures as a result of α1-mediated
vasoconstriction causing increased in mean
Isoprterenol - - -β1 = β2 direct agonist arterial pressure and reflex bradycardia. -
-Uses: electrophysiologic evaluation of However, isoproterenol (no longer commonly
tachyarrhythmias. Can worsen ischemia used) has little α effect but causes β2-mediated
vasodilation, resulting in decreased mean arterial
pressure and increased heart rate through β1
Norepinephrine - - -α1 > α2 > β1 direct and reflex activity.
agonist
-Hypotension (butrenal perfusion). Significantly
weaker effect at β2-receptor than epinephrine. Clonidine - - -α2-agonist
-Uses: hypertensive urgency (limited situations);
does not decrease renal blood flow; ADHD,
