University of Texas at Arlington NURS 5334 Quiz 2 Study Guide
| Practice Questions, Answers & Rationales | 2026–2028
Edition
Prepare for the University of Texas at Arlington NURS 5334 Quiz 2 with this
comprehensive study guide featuring original practice questions, accurate
answers, and detailed rationales. Covers advanced nursing concepts, evidence-
based practice, patient assessment, clinical decision-making, pharmacology, and
primary care management aligned with course objectives. Perfect for focused
review, self-assessment, and building confidence before Quiz 2.
Question 1
The autonomic nervous system sympathetic branch primarily regulates which of the
following?
A) Digestion and rest
B) Cardiovascular system, body temperature, and fight-or-flight response
C) Pupil constriction and salivation
D) Bladder emptying and bowel movements
Rationale: The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for "fight or flight" by
increasing heart rate, redistributing blood flow, and regulating body temperature.
Question 2
Which neurotransmitters are mediated by the sympathetic nervous system?
A) Acetylcholine and serotonin
B) Norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine
C) GABA and glutamate
D) Histamine and substance P
Rationale: The sympathetic nervous system primarily uses norepinephrine, epinephrine,
and dopamine as its neurotransmitters.
,Question 3
Which medication is an alpha-1 blocker used for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?
A) Tamsulosin
B) Clonidine
C) Methyldopa
D) Prazosin
Rationale: Tamsulosin (Flomax) is a selective alpha-1 blocker used for BPH. Clonidine and
methyldopa are alpha-2 agonists used for hypertension. Prazosin is an alpha-1 blocker
used for hypertension but is less selective for the prostate.
Question 4
Which adverse effect is commonly associated with alpha-1 blockers?
A) Orthostatic hypotension
B) Bradycardia
C) Hyperkalemia
D) Hypoglycemia
Rationale: Alpha-1 blockers cause vasodilation, leading to orthostatic hypotension
(dizziness upon standing). Patients should be advised to rise slowly from sitting or lying
positions to prevent falls.
Question 5
A patient is prescribed a beta-blocker for hypertension. Which assessment finding would
indicate the medication is effective?
A) Heart rate of 110 bpm
B) Blood pressure of 130/85 mmHg
,C) Heart rate of 55 bpm and blood pressure of 125/80 mmHg
D) Respiratory rate of 24 breaths/min
Rationale: Beta-blockers decrease heart rate and blood pressure. A heart rate of 55 bpm
and blood pressure of 125/80 mmHg indicates therapeutic effect. Tachycardia and
hypertension would indicate ineffective therapy.
Question 6
Which neurotransmitter is the primary mediator of the parasympathetic nervous
system?
A) Acetylcholine
B) Norepinephrine
C) Dopamine
D) Serotonin
Rationale: The parasympathetic nervous system primarily uses acetylcholine as its
neurotransmitter. It is responsible for "rest and digest" functions including decreased heart
rate, pupil constriction, and increased gastrointestinal activity.
Question 7
A patient taking a beta-blocker for heart failure reports increased shortness of breath
and weight gain. What is the most appropriate nursing action?
A) Increase the beta-blocker dose
B) Assess for signs of heart failure exacerbation
C) Discontinue the beta-blocker immediately
D) Administer a diuretic without assessment
Rationale: Beta-blockers can worsen heart failure in some patients. Increased shortness of
breath and weight gain suggest fluid overload. The nurse should assess for signs of
worsening heart failure and notify the provider.
, Question 8
Which of the following is a contraindication to the use of non-selective beta-blockers?
A) Hypertension
B) Asthma
C) Glaucoma
D) Migraine headaches
Rationale: Non-selective beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol) block beta-2 receptors in the
lungs, which can cause bronchospasm. They are contraindicated in patients with asthma
or COPD. Cardioselective beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol) are preferred in these patients.
Question 9
A patient is prescribed clonidine for hypertension. Which side effect should the nurse
monitor for?
A) Tachycardia
B) Sedation
C) Hyperglycemia
D) Diarrhea
Rationale: Clonidine is a central alpha-2 agonist that reduces sympathetic outflow. It
commonly causes sedation, dry mouth, and dizziness. It can also cause rebound
hypertension if discontinued abruptly.
Question 10
The sympathetic nervous system uses which of the following as its primary
neurotransmitter at the postganglionic junction?
A) Acetylcholine
B) Norepinephrine
C) Dopamine
D) Epinephrine
| Practice Questions, Answers & Rationales | 2026–2028
Edition
Prepare for the University of Texas at Arlington NURS 5334 Quiz 2 with this
comprehensive study guide featuring original practice questions, accurate
answers, and detailed rationales. Covers advanced nursing concepts, evidence-
based practice, patient assessment, clinical decision-making, pharmacology, and
primary care management aligned with course objectives. Perfect for focused
review, self-assessment, and building confidence before Quiz 2.
Question 1
The autonomic nervous system sympathetic branch primarily regulates which of the
following?
A) Digestion and rest
B) Cardiovascular system, body temperature, and fight-or-flight response
C) Pupil constriction and salivation
D) Bladder emptying and bowel movements
Rationale: The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for "fight or flight" by
increasing heart rate, redistributing blood flow, and regulating body temperature.
Question 2
Which neurotransmitters are mediated by the sympathetic nervous system?
A) Acetylcholine and serotonin
B) Norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine
C) GABA and glutamate
D) Histamine and substance P
Rationale: The sympathetic nervous system primarily uses norepinephrine, epinephrine,
and dopamine as its neurotransmitters.
,Question 3
Which medication is an alpha-1 blocker used for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?
A) Tamsulosin
B) Clonidine
C) Methyldopa
D) Prazosin
Rationale: Tamsulosin (Flomax) is a selective alpha-1 blocker used for BPH. Clonidine and
methyldopa are alpha-2 agonists used for hypertension. Prazosin is an alpha-1 blocker
used for hypertension but is less selective for the prostate.
Question 4
Which adverse effect is commonly associated with alpha-1 blockers?
A) Orthostatic hypotension
B) Bradycardia
C) Hyperkalemia
D) Hypoglycemia
Rationale: Alpha-1 blockers cause vasodilation, leading to orthostatic hypotension
(dizziness upon standing). Patients should be advised to rise slowly from sitting or lying
positions to prevent falls.
Question 5
A patient is prescribed a beta-blocker for hypertension. Which assessment finding would
indicate the medication is effective?
A) Heart rate of 110 bpm
B) Blood pressure of 130/85 mmHg
,C) Heart rate of 55 bpm and blood pressure of 125/80 mmHg
D) Respiratory rate of 24 breaths/min
Rationale: Beta-blockers decrease heart rate and blood pressure. A heart rate of 55 bpm
and blood pressure of 125/80 mmHg indicates therapeutic effect. Tachycardia and
hypertension would indicate ineffective therapy.
Question 6
Which neurotransmitter is the primary mediator of the parasympathetic nervous
system?
A) Acetylcholine
B) Norepinephrine
C) Dopamine
D) Serotonin
Rationale: The parasympathetic nervous system primarily uses acetylcholine as its
neurotransmitter. It is responsible for "rest and digest" functions including decreased heart
rate, pupil constriction, and increased gastrointestinal activity.
Question 7
A patient taking a beta-blocker for heart failure reports increased shortness of breath
and weight gain. What is the most appropriate nursing action?
A) Increase the beta-blocker dose
B) Assess for signs of heart failure exacerbation
C) Discontinue the beta-blocker immediately
D) Administer a diuretic without assessment
Rationale: Beta-blockers can worsen heart failure in some patients. Increased shortness of
breath and weight gain suggest fluid overload. The nurse should assess for signs of
worsening heart failure and notify the provider.
, Question 8
Which of the following is a contraindication to the use of non-selective beta-blockers?
A) Hypertension
B) Asthma
C) Glaucoma
D) Migraine headaches
Rationale: Non-selective beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol) block beta-2 receptors in the
lungs, which can cause bronchospasm. They are contraindicated in patients with asthma
or COPD. Cardioselective beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol) are preferred in these patients.
Question 9
A patient is prescribed clonidine for hypertension. Which side effect should the nurse
monitor for?
A) Tachycardia
B) Sedation
C) Hyperglycemia
D) Diarrhea
Rationale: Clonidine is a central alpha-2 agonist that reduces sympathetic outflow. It
commonly causes sedation, dry mouth, and dizziness. It can also cause rebound
hypertension if discontinued abruptly.
Question 10
The sympathetic nervous system uses which of the following as its primary
neurotransmitter at the postganglionic junction?
A) Acetylcholine
B) Norepinephrine
C) Dopamine
D) Epinephrine
