,GCU NSG 318 Exam 2 | Introduction to Pharmacology | Grand
Canyon University | Q & A | 2026 Edition (PDF)
1. Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of adrenergic agonists?
A) They block stimulation of adrenergic receptors in the sympathetic nervous system
B) They stimulate adrenergic receptors in the sympathetic nervous system
C) They inhibit the release of norepinephrine from nerve terminals
D) They block the breakdown of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction
Correct Answer: They stimulate adrenergic receptors in the sympathetic nervous system
Rationale: Adrenergic agonists (also called sympathomimetics) stimulate adrenergic receptors in the
sympathetic nervous system, producing a "fight or flight" response. Adrenergic antagonists do the
opposite by blocking receptor stimulation. Alpha₂ agonists actually inhibit norepinephrine release, which
is an exception within this drug class.
2. A patient receiving IV epinephrine for anaphylaxis is experiencing the expected therapeutic effect.
Which assessment finding would the nurse expect?
A) Decreased heart rate
B) Hypotension
C) Bronchodilation
D) Decreased blood glucose
Correct Answer: Bronchodilation
Rationale: Epinephrine stimulates α₁, β₁, and β₂ receptors, causing vasoconstriction, increased heart rate,
and bronchodilation. The therapeutic effect in anaphylaxis is bronchodilation to reverse airway
constriction. Tachycardia (not bradycardia) and increased blood pressure (not hypotension) are
expected.
3. Which receptor stimulation results in vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure?
A) Alpha₁
,B) Alpha₂
C) Beta₁
D) Beta₂
Correct Answer: Alpha₁
Rationale: Alpha₁ receptor stimulation causes contraction of vascular smooth muscle, leading to
vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure. Alpha₂ receptors inhibit norepinephrine release and
promote vasodilation. Beta₁ receptors increase cardiac contractility and heart rate, while Beta₂ receptors
cause bronchodilation and vasodilation in skeletal muscle.
4. A nurse is caring for a patient receiving an adrenergic agent. Which assessment finding would be of
greatest concern?
A) Increased heart rate
B) Dilated pupils
C) Weak peripheral pulses
D) Increased blood pressure
Correct Answer: Weak peripheral pulses
Rationale: Weak peripheral pulses may indicate decreased tissue perfusion, which can be a serious
adverse effect of adrenergic agents due to excessive vasoconstriction. While increased heart rate,
dilated pupils, and elevated blood pressure are expected effects of adrenergic stimulation, they require
monitoring but are not necessarily signs of immediate concern.
5. Which statement accurately describes the difference between cholinergic agonists and cholinergic
antagonists?
A) Cholinergic agonists block acetylcholine, and cholinergic antagonists stimulate acetylcholine
B) Cholinergic agonists stimulate acetylcholine, and cholinergic antagonists block acetylcholine by
occupying its receptors
C) Both cholinergic agonists and antagonists stimulate acetylcholine release
D) Both cholinergic agonists and antagonists block acetylcholine receptors
, Correct Answer: Cholinergic agonists stimulate acetylcholine, and cholinergic antagonists block
acetylcholine by occupying its receptors
Rationale: Cholinergic agonists (parasympathomimetics) mimic or stimulate the effects of acetylcholine
at muscarinic and nicotinic receptors. Cholinergic antagonists (anticholinergics) block acetylcholine by
occupying its receptors, preventing the neurotransmitter from binding and producing its effects.
6. A patient receiving anticholinergic drug therapy develops dry skin, dry oral mucous membranes, and
mydriasis. What should the nurse infer from these assessment findings?
A) The patient is experiencing a therapeutic response
B) The patient is experiencing an allergic reaction
C) The patient may be experiencing an overdose of the drug
D) The patient needs an additional dose of the medication
Correct Answer: The patient may be experiencing an overdose of the drug
Rationale: Dry skin, dry mucous membranes, and mydriasis (dilated pupils) are classic signs of
anticholinergic excess or overdose. These findings indicate excessive blockade of muscarinic receptors.
The nurse should assess for additional signs of anticholinergic toxicity and notify the healthcare
provider.
7. Which outcome would be appropriate to establish for a patient taking a beta₁ agonist?
A) Decreased cardiac contractility
B) Increased cardiac contractility
C) Bronchoconstriction
D) Decreased heart rate
Correct Answer: Increased cardiac contractility
Canyon University | Q & A | 2026 Edition (PDF)
1. Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of adrenergic agonists?
A) They block stimulation of adrenergic receptors in the sympathetic nervous system
B) They stimulate adrenergic receptors in the sympathetic nervous system
C) They inhibit the release of norepinephrine from nerve terminals
D) They block the breakdown of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction
Correct Answer: They stimulate adrenergic receptors in the sympathetic nervous system
Rationale: Adrenergic agonists (also called sympathomimetics) stimulate adrenergic receptors in the
sympathetic nervous system, producing a "fight or flight" response. Adrenergic antagonists do the
opposite by blocking receptor stimulation. Alpha₂ agonists actually inhibit norepinephrine release, which
is an exception within this drug class.
2. A patient receiving IV epinephrine for anaphylaxis is experiencing the expected therapeutic effect.
Which assessment finding would the nurse expect?
A) Decreased heart rate
B) Hypotension
C) Bronchodilation
D) Decreased blood glucose
Correct Answer: Bronchodilation
Rationale: Epinephrine stimulates α₁, β₁, and β₂ receptors, causing vasoconstriction, increased heart rate,
and bronchodilation. The therapeutic effect in anaphylaxis is bronchodilation to reverse airway
constriction. Tachycardia (not bradycardia) and increased blood pressure (not hypotension) are
expected.
3. Which receptor stimulation results in vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure?
A) Alpha₁
,B) Alpha₂
C) Beta₁
D) Beta₂
Correct Answer: Alpha₁
Rationale: Alpha₁ receptor stimulation causes contraction of vascular smooth muscle, leading to
vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure. Alpha₂ receptors inhibit norepinephrine release and
promote vasodilation. Beta₁ receptors increase cardiac contractility and heart rate, while Beta₂ receptors
cause bronchodilation and vasodilation in skeletal muscle.
4. A nurse is caring for a patient receiving an adrenergic agent. Which assessment finding would be of
greatest concern?
A) Increased heart rate
B) Dilated pupils
C) Weak peripheral pulses
D) Increased blood pressure
Correct Answer: Weak peripheral pulses
Rationale: Weak peripheral pulses may indicate decreased tissue perfusion, which can be a serious
adverse effect of adrenergic agents due to excessive vasoconstriction. While increased heart rate,
dilated pupils, and elevated blood pressure are expected effects of adrenergic stimulation, they require
monitoring but are not necessarily signs of immediate concern.
5. Which statement accurately describes the difference between cholinergic agonists and cholinergic
antagonists?
A) Cholinergic agonists block acetylcholine, and cholinergic antagonists stimulate acetylcholine
B) Cholinergic agonists stimulate acetylcholine, and cholinergic antagonists block acetylcholine by
occupying its receptors
C) Both cholinergic agonists and antagonists stimulate acetylcholine release
D) Both cholinergic agonists and antagonists block acetylcholine receptors
, Correct Answer: Cholinergic agonists stimulate acetylcholine, and cholinergic antagonists block
acetylcholine by occupying its receptors
Rationale: Cholinergic agonists (parasympathomimetics) mimic or stimulate the effects of acetylcholine
at muscarinic and nicotinic receptors. Cholinergic antagonists (anticholinergics) block acetylcholine by
occupying its receptors, preventing the neurotransmitter from binding and producing its effects.
6. A patient receiving anticholinergic drug therapy develops dry skin, dry oral mucous membranes, and
mydriasis. What should the nurse infer from these assessment findings?
A) The patient is experiencing a therapeutic response
B) The patient is experiencing an allergic reaction
C) The patient may be experiencing an overdose of the drug
D) The patient needs an additional dose of the medication
Correct Answer: The patient may be experiencing an overdose of the drug
Rationale: Dry skin, dry mucous membranes, and mydriasis (dilated pupils) are classic signs of
anticholinergic excess or overdose. These findings indicate excessive blockade of muscarinic receptors.
The nurse should assess for additional signs of anticholinergic toxicity and notify the healthcare
provider.
7. Which outcome would be appropriate to establish for a patient taking a beta₁ agonist?
A) Decreased cardiac contractility
B) Increased cardiac contractility
C) Bronchoconstriction
D) Decreased heart rate
Correct Answer: Increased cardiac contractility
