,NU 578 Pharmacology for Advanced Practice
Nurses Unit 2 Exam Study Guide University of
South Alabama Exam Prep & 100 Q&A MCQs
2026/2027
1. Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for transmission at all preganglionic synapses
of the autonomic nervous system?
A. Norepinephrine
B. Acetylcholine
C. Dopamine
D. Epinephrine
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Acetylcholine (ACh) is the neurotransmitter at all preganglionic synapses of both the
sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system. It binds to
nicotinic receptors on postganglionic neurons. Norepinephrine is the primary neurotransmitter
at most postganglionic sympathetic synapses.
2. Which receptors are located on the cell bodies of postganglionic neurons in autonomic
ganglia?
A. Muscarinic receptors
B. Nicotinic receptors
,C. Alpha-1 receptors
D. Beta-1 receptors
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Nicotinic receptors are located on the cell bodies of postganglionic neurons in
autonomic ganglia. Acetylcholine released from preganglionic neurons binds to these nicotinic
receptors to initiate the action potential in the postganglionic neuron.
3. Which neurotransmitter is released by most postganglionic sympathetic neurons?
A. Acetylcholine
B. Norepinephrine
C. Dopamine
D. Serotonin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Most postganglionic sympathetic neurons release norepinephrine (noradrenaline) as
their primary neurotransmitter. These neurons are therefore classified as adrenergic. A notable
exception is postganglionic sympathetic neurons that innervate sweat glands, which release
acetylcholine.
4. Which neurotransmitter is released by all postganglionic parasympathetic neurons?
, A. Norepinephrine
B. Acetylcholine
C. Dopamine
D. Epinephrine
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: All postganglionic parasympathetic neurons release acetylcholine (ACh) as their
neurotransmitter. These neurons are classified as cholinergic. ACh binds to muscarinic receptors
on target organs.
5. Which receptor type is found on sweat glands innervated by sympathetic neurons?
A. Alpha-1 adrenergic
B. Beta-2 adrenergic
C. Muscarinic
D. Nicotinic
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sweat glands are innervated by sympathetic postganglionic neurons that release
acetylcholine, not norepinephrine. The receptors on sweat glands are muscarinic. This is an
exception to the general rule that postganglionic sympathetic neurons release norepinephrine.
Nurses Unit 2 Exam Study Guide University of
South Alabama Exam Prep & 100 Q&A MCQs
2026/2027
1. Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for transmission at all preganglionic synapses
of the autonomic nervous system?
A. Norepinephrine
B. Acetylcholine
C. Dopamine
D. Epinephrine
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Acetylcholine (ACh) is the neurotransmitter at all preganglionic synapses of both the
sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system. It binds to
nicotinic receptors on postganglionic neurons. Norepinephrine is the primary neurotransmitter
at most postganglionic sympathetic synapses.
2. Which receptors are located on the cell bodies of postganglionic neurons in autonomic
ganglia?
A. Muscarinic receptors
B. Nicotinic receptors
,C. Alpha-1 receptors
D. Beta-1 receptors
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Nicotinic receptors are located on the cell bodies of postganglionic neurons in
autonomic ganglia. Acetylcholine released from preganglionic neurons binds to these nicotinic
receptors to initiate the action potential in the postganglionic neuron.
3. Which neurotransmitter is released by most postganglionic sympathetic neurons?
A. Acetylcholine
B. Norepinephrine
C. Dopamine
D. Serotonin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Most postganglionic sympathetic neurons release norepinephrine (noradrenaline) as
their primary neurotransmitter. These neurons are therefore classified as adrenergic. A notable
exception is postganglionic sympathetic neurons that innervate sweat glands, which release
acetylcholine.
4. Which neurotransmitter is released by all postganglionic parasympathetic neurons?
, A. Norepinephrine
B. Acetylcholine
C. Dopamine
D. Epinephrine
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: All postganglionic parasympathetic neurons release acetylcholine (ACh) as their
neurotransmitter. These neurons are classified as cholinergic. ACh binds to muscarinic receptors
on target organs.
5. Which receptor type is found on sweat glands innervated by sympathetic neurons?
A. Alpha-1 adrenergic
B. Beta-2 adrenergic
C. Muscarinic
D. Nicotinic
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sweat glands are innervated by sympathetic postganglionic neurons that release
acetylcholine, not norepinephrine. The receptors on sweat glands are muscarinic. This is an
exception to the general rule that postganglionic sympathetic neurons release norepinephrine.
