Chapter 13: Adrenergic Drugs Affecting the Autonomic Nervous System
Question 1
Type: MCSA
The patient receives methyldopa (Aldomet), an adrenergic drug. The nurse determines that the patient is having
side effects when the patient makes which statement?
1. "Will you check my pupils? I can't see very well at all."
2. "I am so thirsty; will you please bring me another pitcher of water?"
3. "I am so anxious; I really need to walk around the room."
4. "I feel so sleepy that I don't think I can eat my dinner."
Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Adrenergic drugs dilate the pupils, so vision should not be affected.
Rationale 2: Anticholinergic, not adrenergic, drugs dry secretions, therefore the patient would not be thirsty.
Rationale 3: Adrenergic drugs mimic the effect of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). This can result in
anxiety and restlessness.
Rationale 4: Adrenergic drugs increase alertness, so the patient would not be sleepy.
Global Rationale: Adrenergic drugs mimic the effect of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). This can result in
anxiety and restlessness. Adrenergic drugs increase alertness, so the patient would not be sleepy.
Anticholinergic, not adrenergic, drugs dry secretions, therefore the patient would not be thirsty. Adrenergic
drugs dilate the pupils, so vision should not be affected.
Cognitive Level: Analyzing
Client Need: Physiological Integrity
Client Need Sub: Physiological Adaptation
QSEN Competencies: I.B.3 Provide patient-centered care with sensitivity and respect for the diversity of human
experience.
AACN Essentials Competencies: IX.3 Implement holistic, patient-centered care that reflects an understanding of
human growth and development, pathophysiology, pharmacology, medical management, and nursing
management across the health-illness continuum, across lifespan, and in all healthcare settings.
NLN Competencies: Knowledge and Science: Relationships between knowledge and science and quality and safe
patient care.
Nursing/Integrated Concepts: Nursing Process: Assessment
Learning Outcome: 13-5 Use the nursing process to care for patients receiving adrenergic drugs and
adrenergicblocking drugs.
,MNL Learning Outcome: 2.1.4 Explore the nurse’s role in administering adrenergic agonists and antagonists.
Page Number: 153
Question 2
Type: MCSA
The patient receives metaproterenol (Alupent), an adrenergic drug. A consulting physician orders carteolol
(Cartrol), a beta blocker. What best describes the nurse's assessment?
1. The patient is at risk for a hypertensive crisis.
2. The effects of metaproterenol (Alupent) will be decreased.
3. The drugs are compatible; there will not be any adverse effects.
4. The effects of metaproterenol (Alupent) will be increased.
Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: A hypertensive crisis is unlikely.
Rationale 2: Beta-adrenergic blockers block the receptors that are stimulated by adrenergic drugs; the effects of
metaproterenol (Alupent) would be decreased.
Rationale 3: The drugs are not compatible.
Rationale 4: The effects of metaproterenol (Alupent) would not be increased.
Global Rationale: Beta-adrenergic blockers block the receptors that are stimulated by adrenergic drugs; the
effects of metaproterenol (Alupent) would be decreased, not increased. The drugs are not compatible; the
effects of metaproterenol (Alupent) would be decreased. A hypertensive crisis is unlikely.
Cognitive Level: Analyzing
Client Need: Physiological Integrity
Client Need Sub: Physiological Adaptation
QSEN Competencies: III.A.1 Demonstrate knowledge of basic scientific methods and processes.
AACN Essentials Competencies: III.1 Explain the interrelationships among theory, practice, and research. NLN
Competencies: Knowledge and Science: Relationships between knowledge and science and quality and safe
patient care.
Nursing/Integrated Concepts: Nursing Process: Assessment
Learning Outcome: 13-1 Compare and contrast the types of responses that occur when drugs activate alpha 1-,
alpha2-, beta1-, beta2-, or beta3- adrenergic receptors.
MNL Learning Outcome: 2.1.2 Compare the classes of adrenergic agonist drugs. Page
Number: 153
Question 3
Type: MCSA
,The nurse has been doing medication education for the patient receiving atenolol (Tenormin), a beta blocker.
The nurse determines that learning has occurred when the patient makes which statement?
1. "I need to take my pulse every day."
2. "If I have any side effects, I will stop the medication."
3. "I cannot take this drug if I develop glaucoma."
4. "I cannot continue to have my morning cup of coffee."
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Beta blockers slow the heart rate; therefore, the patient must monitor his pulse every day.
Rationale 2: Beta blockers should not be stopped suddenly.
Rationale 3: Adrenergic blockers, not beta blockers, are used to treat glaucoma.
Rationale 4: Caffeine is not prohibited with beta blockers.
Global Rationale: Beta blockers slow the heart rate; therefore, the patient must monitor his pulse every day.
Beta blockers should not be stopped suddenly. Caffeine is not prohibited with beta blockers. Adrenergic
blockers, not beta blockers, are used to treat glaucoma.
Cognitive Level: Applying
Client Need: Physiological Integrity
Client Need Sub: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
QSEN Competencies: I.B.3 Provide patient-centered care with sensitivity and respect for the diversity of human
experience.
AACN Essentials Competencies: IX.3 Implement holistic, patient-centered care that reflects an understanding of
human growth and development, pathophysiology, pharmacology, medical management, and nursing
management across the health-illness continuum, across lifespan, and in all healthcare settings.
NLN Competencies: Knowledge and Science: Relationships between knowledge and science and quality and safe
patient care.
Nursing/Integrated Concepts: Nursing Process: Implementation
Learning Outcome: 13-5 Use the nursing process to care for patients receiving adrenergic drugs and
adrenergicblocking drugs.
MNL Learning Outcome: 2.1.4 Explore the nurse’s role in administering adrenergic agonists and antagonists.
Page Number: 157
Question 4
Type: MCSA
The physician ordered prazosin (Minipress), an alpha-adrenergic blocker, for the patient. The nurse plans to do
medication education. What will the best plan of the nurse include?
, 1. Instruct the patient to not take OTC herbal preparations containing saw palmetto.
2. Instruct the patient to not take tub baths.
3. Instruct the patient to decrease his intake of sodium.
4. Instruct the patient to wear sunglasses when outdoors.
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: A hypotensive response may occur when saw palmetto is taken concurrently.
Rationale 2: Patients should be careful when taking tub baths, especially if the drug causes dizziness, but such
baths are not prohibited.
Rationale 3: There is no relationship between alpha blockers and sodium intake.
Rationale 4: Alpha blockers do not cause photophobia; sunglasses are not required with this drug.
Global Rationale: A hypotensive response may occur when saw palmetto is taken concurrently. Patients should
be careful when taking tub baths, especially if the drug causes dizziness, but such baths are not prohibited.
Alpha blockers do not cause photophobia; sunglasses are not required with this drug. There is no relationship
between alpha blockers and sodium intake. It is a good idea to avoid herbal preparations, but this is not the
primary plan.
Cognitive Level: Applying
Client Need: Physiological Integrity
Client Need Sub: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
QSEN Competencies: I.B.3 Provide patient-centered care with sensitivity and respect for the diversity of human
experience.
AACN Essentials Competencies: I.X.3 Implement holistic, patient-centered care that reflects an understanding of
human growth and development, pathophysiology, pharmacology, medical management, and nursing
management across the health-illness continuum, across lifespan, and in all healthcare settings.
NLN Competencies: Knowledge and Science: Relationships between knowledge and science and quality and safe
patient care.
Nursing/Integrated Concepts: Nursing Process: Implementation
Learning Outcome: 13-5 Use the nursing process to care for patients receiving adrenergic drugs and
adrenergicblocking drugs.
MNL Learning Outcome: 2.1.4 Explore the nurse’s role in administering adrenergic agonists and antagonists.
Page Number: 156
Question 5
Type: MCMA
A patient has been prescribed an alpha1 adrenergic agonist drug. The nurse would plan to monitor for effects
from which organs?
Question 1
Type: MCSA
The patient receives methyldopa (Aldomet), an adrenergic drug. The nurse determines that the patient is having
side effects when the patient makes which statement?
1. "Will you check my pupils? I can't see very well at all."
2. "I am so thirsty; will you please bring me another pitcher of water?"
3. "I am so anxious; I really need to walk around the room."
4. "I feel so sleepy that I don't think I can eat my dinner."
Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Adrenergic drugs dilate the pupils, so vision should not be affected.
Rationale 2: Anticholinergic, not adrenergic, drugs dry secretions, therefore the patient would not be thirsty.
Rationale 3: Adrenergic drugs mimic the effect of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). This can result in
anxiety and restlessness.
Rationale 4: Adrenergic drugs increase alertness, so the patient would not be sleepy.
Global Rationale: Adrenergic drugs mimic the effect of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). This can result in
anxiety and restlessness. Adrenergic drugs increase alertness, so the patient would not be sleepy.
Anticholinergic, not adrenergic, drugs dry secretions, therefore the patient would not be thirsty. Adrenergic
drugs dilate the pupils, so vision should not be affected.
Cognitive Level: Analyzing
Client Need: Physiological Integrity
Client Need Sub: Physiological Adaptation
QSEN Competencies: I.B.3 Provide patient-centered care with sensitivity and respect for the diversity of human
experience.
AACN Essentials Competencies: IX.3 Implement holistic, patient-centered care that reflects an understanding of
human growth and development, pathophysiology, pharmacology, medical management, and nursing
management across the health-illness continuum, across lifespan, and in all healthcare settings.
NLN Competencies: Knowledge and Science: Relationships between knowledge and science and quality and safe
patient care.
Nursing/Integrated Concepts: Nursing Process: Assessment
Learning Outcome: 13-5 Use the nursing process to care for patients receiving adrenergic drugs and
adrenergicblocking drugs.
,MNL Learning Outcome: 2.1.4 Explore the nurse’s role in administering adrenergic agonists and antagonists.
Page Number: 153
Question 2
Type: MCSA
The patient receives metaproterenol (Alupent), an adrenergic drug. A consulting physician orders carteolol
(Cartrol), a beta blocker. What best describes the nurse's assessment?
1. The patient is at risk for a hypertensive crisis.
2. The effects of metaproterenol (Alupent) will be decreased.
3. The drugs are compatible; there will not be any adverse effects.
4. The effects of metaproterenol (Alupent) will be increased.
Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: A hypertensive crisis is unlikely.
Rationale 2: Beta-adrenergic blockers block the receptors that are stimulated by adrenergic drugs; the effects of
metaproterenol (Alupent) would be decreased.
Rationale 3: The drugs are not compatible.
Rationale 4: The effects of metaproterenol (Alupent) would not be increased.
Global Rationale: Beta-adrenergic blockers block the receptors that are stimulated by adrenergic drugs; the
effects of metaproterenol (Alupent) would be decreased, not increased. The drugs are not compatible; the
effects of metaproterenol (Alupent) would be decreased. A hypertensive crisis is unlikely.
Cognitive Level: Analyzing
Client Need: Physiological Integrity
Client Need Sub: Physiological Adaptation
QSEN Competencies: III.A.1 Demonstrate knowledge of basic scientific methods and processes.
AACN Essentials Competencies: III.1 Explain the interrelationships among theory, practice, and research. NLN
Competencies: Knowledge and Science: Relationships between knowledge and science and quality and safe
patient care.
Nursing/Integrated Concepts: Nursing Process: Assessment
Learning Outcome: 13-1 Compare and contrast the types of responses that occur when drugs activate alpha 1-,
alpha2-, beta1-, beta2-, or beta3- adrenergic receptors.
MNL Learning Outcome: 2.1.2 Compare the classes of adrenergic agonist drugs. Page
Number: 153
Question 3
Type: MCSA
,The nurse has been doing medication education for the patient receiving atenolol (Tenormin), a beta blocker.
The nurse determines that learning has occurred when the patient makes which statement?
1. "I need to take my pulse every day."
2. "If I have any side effects, I will stop the medication."
3. "I cannot take this drug if I develop glaucoma."
4. "I cannot continue to have my morning cup of coffee."
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Beta blockers slow the heart rate; therefore, the patient must monitor his pulse every day.
Rationale 2: Beta blockers should not be stopped suddenly.
Rationale 3: Adrenergic blockers, not beta blockers, are used to treat glaucoma.
Rationale 4: Caffeine is not prohibited with beta blockers.
Global Rationale: Beta blockers slow the heart rate; therefore, the patient must monitor his pulse every day.
Beta blockers should not be stopped suddenly. Caffeine is not prohibited with beta blockers. Adrenergic
blockers, not beta blockers, are used to treat glaucoma.
Cognitive Level: Applying
Client Need: Physiological Integrity
Client Need Sub: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
QSEN Competencies: I.B.3 Provide patient-centered care with sensitivity and respect for the diversity of human
experience.
AACN Essentials Competencies: IX.3 Implement holistic, patient-centered care that reflects an understanding of
human growth and development, pathophysiology, pharmacology, medical management, and nursing
management across the health-illness continuum, across lifespan, and in all healthcare settings.
NLN Competencies: Knowledge and Science: Relationships between knowledge and science and quality and safe
patient care.
Nursing/Integrated Concepts: Nursing Process: Implementation
Learning Outcome: 13-5 Use the nursing process to care for patients receiving adrenergic drugs and
adrenergicblocking drugs.
MNL Learning Outcome: 2.1.4 Explore the nurse’s role in administering adrenergic agonists and antagonists.
Page Number: 157
Question 4
Type: MCSA
The physician ordered prazosin (Minipress), an alpha-adrenergic blocker, for the patient. The nurse plans to do
medication education. What will the best plan of the nurse include?
, 1. Instruct the patient to not take OTC herbal preparations containing saw palmetto.
2. Instruct the patient to not take tub baths.
3. Instruct the patient to decrease his intake of sodium.
4. Instruct the patient to wear sunglasses when outdoors.
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: A hypotensive response may occur when saw palmetto is taken concurrently.
Rationale 2: Patients should be careful when taking tub baths, especially if the drug causes dizziness, but such
baths are not prohibited.
Rationale 3: There is no relationship between alpha blockers and sodium intake.
Rationale 4: Alpha blockers do not cause photophobia; sunglasses are not required with this drug.
Global Rationale: A hypotensive response may occur when saw palmetto is taken concurrently. Patients should
be careful when taking tub baths, especially if the drug causes dizziness, but such baths are not prohibited.
Alpha blockers do not cause photophobia; sunglasses are not required with this drug. There is no relationship
between alpha blockers and sodium intake. It is a good idea to avoid herbal preparations, but this is not the
primary plan.
Cognitive Level: Applying
Client Need: Physiological Integrity
Client Need Sub: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
QSEN Competencies: I.B.3 Provide patient-centered care with sensitivity and respect for the diversity of human
experience.
AACN Essentials Competencies: I.X.3 Implement holistic, patient-centered care that reflects an understanding of
human growth and development, pathophysiology, pharmacology, medical management, and nursing
management across the health-illness continuum, across lifespan, and in all healthcare settings.
NLN Competencies: Knowledge and Science: Relationships between knowledge and science and quality and safe
patient care.
Nursing/Integrated Concepts: Nursing Process: Implementation
Learning Outcome: 13-5 Use the nursing process to care for patients receiving adrenergic drugs and
adrenergicblocking drugs.
MNL Learning Outcome: 2.1.4 Explore the nurse’s role in administering adrenergic agonists and antagonists.
Page Number: 156
Question 5
Type: MCMA
A patient has been prescribed an alpha1 adrenergic agonist drug. The nurse would plan to monitor for effects
from which organs?
