,NURS 251 Pharmacology Module Exam 3 | Portage Learning /
ABCnursing / Geneva College | 2026 Edition (PDF)
1. Which receptors are stimulated by the parasympathetic nervous system?
A) Alpha receptors
B) Beta receptors
C) Cholinergic receptors
D) Dopaminergic receptors
Correct Answer: Cholinergic receptors
Rationale: The parasympathetic nervous system is a cholinergic system, meaning its preganglionic and
postganglionic neurons release acetylcholine, which stimulates cholinergic (muscarinic and nicotinic)
receptors. Alpha and beta receptors are stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system, and
dopaminergic receptors are a subset of adrenergic receptors.
2. A patient is prescribed a beta-blocker ending in "-lol." The nurse understands that this medication
class works by:
A) Stimulating beta receptors
B) Blocking beta receptors
C) Stimulating alpha receptors
D) Blocking cholinergic receptors
Correct Answer: Blocking beta receptors
Rationale: Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, atenolol) are adrenergic antagonists that block beta
receptors, reducing heart rate and cardiac output. Adrenergic agonists, such as epinephrine and
dopamine, stimulate receptors. Alpha-blockers end in "-osin," and anticholinergics block cholinergic
receptors.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient receiving a cholinergic agonist (parasympathomimetic). Which adverse
effect should the nurse monitor for?
,A) Tachycardia
B) Dry mouth
C) Diarrhea
D) Urinary retention
Correct Answer: Diarrhea
Rationale: Cholinergic agonists stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to SLUDGE
syndrome (Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination, Defecation, Gastric distress, Emesis). Diarrhea is a
common effect. Tachycardia and dry mouth are associated with anticholinergic drugs, and urinary
retention is a side effect of anticholinergics.
4. Atropine is classified as which type of medication?
A) Adrenergic agonist
B) Cholinergic agonist
C) Anticholinergic
D) Beta-blocker
Correct Answer: Anticholinergic
Rationale: Atropine is an anticholinergic medication that blocks the action of acetylcholine at muscarinic
receptors. It is used to treat bradycardia and as a preoperative medication to reduce secretions.
Anticholinergics should be monitored for effects on bowel and bladder function.
5. A patient is prescribed an alpha-blocker ending in "-osin." The nurse should monitor the patient for
which adverse effect?
A) Tachycardia
B) Orthostatic hypotension
C) Bronchospasm
D) Hyperglycemia
, Correct Answer: Orthostatic hypotension
Rationale: Alpha-blockers (e.g., doxazosin, tamsulosin) cause vasodilation, which can lead to orthostatic
hypotension. Patients should be advised to change positions slowly. Tachycardia is more common with
beta-agonists, bronchospasm is a concern with non-selective beta-blockers, and hyperglycemia is not a
primary effect.
6. Epinephrine is an adrenergic agonist that stimulates which receptors?
A) Alpha and beta receptors
B) Only alpha receptors
C) Only beta receptors
D) Cholinergic receptors
Correct Answer: Alpha and beta receptors
Rationale: Epinephrine is a non-selective adrenergic agonist that stimulates both alpha and beta
receptors. This leads to vasoconstriction (alpha), increased heart rate and contractility (beta-1), and
bronchodilation (beta-2). Dopamine and dobutamine are also adrenergic agonists with varying receptor
selectivities.
7. A patient is experiencing an acute angina attack. Which drug class is most commonly used to provide
immediate relief?
A) ACE inhibitors
B) Diuretics
C) Nitrates
D) Alpha agonists
Correct Answer: Nitrates
Rationale: Nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin) are the first-line treatment for acute angina attacks. They work by
vasodilation, reducing preload and afterload, and decreasing myocardial oxygen demand. ACE inhibitors
and diuretics are used for hypertension and heart failure, and alpha agonists are not used for angina.
ABCnursing / Geneva College | 2026 Edition (PDF)
1. Which receptors are stimulated by the parasympathetic nervous system?
A) Alpha receptors
B) Beta receptors
C) Cholinergic receptors
D) Dopaminergic receptors
Correct Answer: Cholinergic receptors
Rationale: The parasympathetic nervous system is a cholinergic system, meaning its preganglionic and
postganglionic neurons release acetylcholine, which stimulates cholinergic (muscarinic and nicotinic)
receptors. Alpha and beta receptors are stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system, and
dopaminergic receptors are a subset of adrenergic receptors.
2. A patient is prescribed a beta-blocker ending in "-lol." The nurse understands that this medication
class works by:
A) Stimulating beta receptors
B) Blocking beta receptors
C) Stimulating alpha receptors
D) Blocking cholinergic receptors
Correct Answer: Blocking beta receptors
Rationale: Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, atenolol) are adrenergic antagonists that block beta
receptors, reducing heart rate and cardiac output. Adrenergic agonists, such as epinephrine and
dopamine, stimulate receptors. Alpha-blockers end in "-osin," and anticholinergics block cholinergic
receptors.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient receiving a cholinergic agonist (parasympathomimetic). Which adverse
effect should the nurse monitor for?
,A) Tachycardia
B) Dry mouth
C) Diarrhea
D) Urinary retention
Correct Answer: Diarrhea
Rationale: Cholinergic agonists stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to SLUDGE
syndrome (Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination, Defecation, Gastric distress, Emesis). Diarrhea is a
common effect. Tachycardia and dry mouth are associated with anticholinergic drugs, and urinary
retention is a side effect of anticholinergics.
4. Atropine is classified as which type of medication?
A) Adrenergic agonist
B) Cholinergic agonist
C) Anticholinergic
D) Beta-blocker
Correct Answer: Anticholinergic
Rationale: Atropine is an anticholinergic medication that blocks the action of acetylcholine at muscarinic
receptors. It is used to treat bradycardia and as a preoperative medication to reduce secretions.
Anticholinergics should be monitored for effects on bowel and bladder function.
5. A patient is prescribed an alpha-blocker ending in "-osin." The nurse should monitor the patient for
which adverse effect?
A) Tachycardia
B) Orthostatic hypotension
C) Bronchospasm
D) Hyperglycemia
, Correct Answer: Orthostatic hypotension
Rationale: Alpha-blockers (e.g., doxazosin, tamsulosin) cause vasodilation, which can lead to orthostatic
hypotension. Patients should be advised to change positions slowly. Tachycardia is more common with
beta-agonists, bronchospasm is a concern with non-selective beta-blockers, and hyperglycemia is not a
primary effect.
6. Epinephrine is an adrenergic agonist that stimulates which receptors?
A) Alpha and beta receptors
B) Only alpha receptors
C) Only beta receptors
D) Cholinergic receptors
Correct Answer: Alpha and beta receptors
Rationale: Epinephrine is a non-selective adrenergic agonist that stimulates both alpha and beta
receptors. This leads to vasoconstriction (alpha), increased heart rate and contractility (beta-1), and
bronchodilation (beta-2). Dopamine and dobutamine are also adrenergic agonists with varying receptor
selectivities.
7. A patient is experiencing an acute angina attack. Which drug class is most commonly used to provide
immediate relief?
A) ACE inhibitors
B) Diuretics
C) Nitrates
D) Alpha agonists
Correct Answer: Nitrates
Rationale: Nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin) are the first-line treatment for acute angina attacks. They work by
vasodilation, reducing preload and afterload, and decreasing myocardial oxygen demand. ACE inhibitors
and diuretics are used for hypertension and heart failure, and alpha agonists are not used for angina.
