adrenergic drugs

Question 1

Drugs that mimic the activity of these sympathetic neurotransmitters are called

Answer 1

Adrenergic Drugs or

Sympathomimetic drugs

Question 2

Adrenergic Blocking Drugs

Answer 2

• Inhibit release of neurotransmitter

- Block stimulation of receptors

Question 3

\_\_\_ drugs mimic activity of parasympathetic nervous system
Also call \_\_\_\_\_\_ drugs
Two neurohormones:
Acetylcholine (Ach)
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE)

Answer 3

cholinergic; parasympathomimetic

• Acetylcholine (Ach)
• Acetylcholinesterase (AChE)

Question 4

secreted by adrenal medulla

Answer 4

epinephrine

Question 5

nerve endings of sympathetic fibers

Answer 5

norepinephrine

Question 6

neurohormones

Answer 6

Released at nerve endings that facilitate transmission of nerve impulses

Question 7

After _____ is released, it crosses ____

Then binds with receptors in the __________.

Answer 7

neurotransmitter; synapse; cell membrane of the postsynaptic nerve.

Question 8

Mimic activity of sympathetic nervous system

–The effects will be similar to the effects of stimulation of sympathetic nervous system

Answer 8

adrenergic drugs

Question 9

CNS

Answer 9

wakefulness, quickened reflexes

Question 10

PNS

Answer 10

• Relaxation of smooth muscles of bronchi
• Constriction of blood vessels, sphincter of stomach
• Dilatation of coronary blood vessels
• Decrease in gastric motility
• Heart = increase in rate
• Increase use of glucose

Question 11

adrenergic nerve receptors

Answer 11

alpha or beta receptors

Question 12

adrenergic receptors: A

Answer 12

vasoconstriction of peripheral blood vessels

Question 13

adrenergic receptors: B1

Answer 13

increase heart rate and force of contraction

Question 14

adrenergic receptors: B2

Answer 14

Bronchodilate, vasodilate (coronary arteries), decrease tone, motility and secretions of GI tract

Question 15

uses of adrenergic drugs

Answer 15

• Moderately severe to severe hypotension
• Control superficial bleeding during surgical or dental procedures
• Bronchial Asthma
• Cardiac Arrest
• Allergic Reactions
• Prolong local anesthetics

Question 16

Adrenergic drugs

Answer 16

• dobutamine
• dopamine
• epinephrine (EpiPen)
• isoproterenol (Isuprel)
• phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine)
• norepinephrine (Levophed)

Question 17

adverse reactions of adrenergic drugs

Answer 17

• -Tachycardia or bradycardia
• Arrythmias
• Headache, insomnia, nervousness
• hypertension

Question 18

nursing process for adrenergic drugs

Answer 18

• Assess Blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate and rhythm prior to medicating
• Assess response to the medication
• May need to assess for s/s of shock
• Be aware of possible orthostatic hypotension
• Some meds to treat hypotension (vasopressors) are very powerful and require infusion pumps and close monitoring of the patient
• May need to monitor BP and pulse every 5 to 15 minutes
• Dosage adjusted to patient’s response to the medication
• Patient may be on monitor for cardiac monitoring.
• Pt may experience anorexia and insomnia.

Question 19

pt teaching for nasal decongestants

Answer 19

• Stick with dose prescribed

- Risk for rebound congestion

Question 20

pt teaching for bronchodilator

Answer 20

• Do not add OTC drugs
• Report adverse effects
• Report if no relief from symptoms

Question 21

• Block a-adrenergic receptors

- Effect on receptors that control vascular system

Answer 21

Alpha adrenergic blocking drugs

Question 22

• Block B adrenergic receptors

- Primarily receptors of heart

Answer 22

Beta adrenergic blocking drugs

Question 23

stimulation of a-adrenergic fibers

Answer 23

-vasoconstriction

Question 24

if a-adrenergic fibers are blocked

Answer 24

-vasodilation

Question 25

B receptors found mainly:

Answer 25

in the heart

Question 26

stimulation of B receptors

Answer 26

increase in HR

Question 27

if B receptors are blocked

Answer 27

HR decreases

Question 28

examples of beta-adrenergic blocking drugs

Answer 28

- metoprolol (Lopressor) | - atenolol (Tenormin)

Question 29

examples of alpha-adrenergic blocking drugs

Answer 29

phentolamine (Regitine)

Question 30

antiadrenergic drugs; PNS

Answer 30

-inhibits release of Norepinephrine from adrenergic nerve endings in the PNS Example = Guanethedine

Question 31

antiadrenergic drugs; CNS

Answer 31

-act on CNS centers, decreasing activity of sympathetic nervous system Example = Caterers

Question 32

For vasodilating effect on peripheral blood vessels = will lower blood pressure in conditions of hypertension due to pheochromocytoma (tumor of adrenal gland that will result in increase production of epinephrine which is vasoconstrictive in nature and thus contributes to hypertensive condition)

Answer 32

phentolamine (Regitine)

Question 33

B-adrenergic blocking drug uses:

Answer 33

- HTN - ventricular cardiac arrhythmia's - topically (Timoptic) to treat glaucoma to relieve pressure

Question 34

uses of antiadrenergic drugs

Answer 34

- certain arrhythmias - HTN - benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)

Question 35

Adverse reactions: A-Adrenergic Blockers

Answer 35

- Cardiac arrythmias - Hypotension - Tachycardia

Question 36

Adverse reactions: B-Adrenergic Blockers

Answer 36

- Bradycardia - Dizziness, vertigo, - Bronchospasm (with hx of Asthma) - Congestive Heart Failure (more serious)

Question 37

Adverse reactions: Antiadrenergic

Answer 37

- Hypotension, lightheadedness, bradycardia | - Drowsiness, malaise, weakness, dry mouth

Question 38

Patients receiving adrenergic blocking drugs for cardiac arrhythmias require

Answer 38

special monitoring - IV meds - cardiac monitoring - BP and Pulse

Question 39

If a significant decrease in the blood pressure occurs after a dose of an adrenergic blocking drug,

Answer 39

the nurse should withhold the drug and notify the primary care provider immediately.

Question 40

To decrease risk of injury related to orthostatic hypotension

Answer 40

- Patient should rise slowly from lying position - Sit at side of bed for one minute before standing - Ask for assistance to stand or ambulate - Avoid standing in one place for long periods (not problem in hospital) - Avoid hot showers (increases vasodilation)

Question 41

patient education

Answer 41

- Do not stop taking the drug abruptly - Notify provider of adverse drug reactions - Caution when driving: drugs may cause dizziness, drowsiness - Report s/s of CHF: dyspnea, edema of extremities; weight gain - Keep appointments - Inform other Providers of Meds being taken