Unit 5 Pharm Chapter 30 Flashcards
A client receives a beta-specific agonist. What assessment findings would indicate to the nurse that the drug is taking effect?
A) Increased level of consciousness
B) Relief of pain
C) Relief from shortness of breath
D) Resolution of glaucoma
C) Relief from shortness of breath
Rationale:Most of the drugs that belong to the class of beta-specific adrenergic agonists, or beta-agonists, are beta2-specific agonists and are used to manage and treat bronchial spasm, asthma, and other obstructive pulmonary conditions. They are not used for pain relief or for treating decreased LOC or glaucoma.
What drug would the nurse expect to be given to a client experiencing acute bronchospasm?
A) Norepinephrine
B) Epinephrine
C) Ephedrine
D) Dopamine
B) Epinephrine
Rationale:Epinephrine would be used to treat bronchospasm. Dopamine is indicated for the treatment of congestive heart failure. Ephedrine is used to treat hypotensive episodes. Norepinephrine is used to treat shock and during cardiac arrest to promote sympathetic activity.
Beta-specific adrenergic agonists are primarily used to treat obstructive pulmonary conditions.
A) FALSE
B) TRUE
B) TRUE
Rationale:Beta-specific agonists are used primarily to treat obstructive pulmonary conditions; alpha- and beta-agonists are often used to treat hypotensive states.
When assessing a client receiving a beta-specific adrenergic agonist, the nurse would identify what findings as adverse effects of the drug? Select all that apply.
A) Restlessness
B) Bradycardia
C) Steatorrhea (fatty stools)
D) Pupil constriction
E) Headache
A) Restlessness
E) Headache
Rationale:Adverse effects of beta-specific adrenergic agonists include restlessness, tachycardia, headache, GI upset, muscle cramps, and pupil dilation. Steatorrhea is not a noted adverse effect.
A client in cardiogenic shock has been prescribed a naturally occurring catecholamine. The nurse should prepare to administer what medication?
A) Dobutamine
B) Dopamine
C) Isoproterenol
D) Ephedrine
B) Dopamine
Rationale:Dopamine is a naturally occurring catecholamine. Dobutamine is a synthetic catecholamine. Ephedrine is a synthetic catecholamine. Isoproterenol is a sympathomimetic.
An instructor is preparing a teaching plan about adrenergic agonists for a group of students. What drug would the nurse include as an alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonist?
A) Albuterol
B) Terbutaline
C) Epinephrine
D) Phenylephrine
C) Epinephrine
Rationale:Epinephrine is an alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonist. Phenylephrine is an alpha-specific adrenergic agonist. Albuterol is a beta-specific adrenergic agonist. Terbutaline is a beta-specific adrenergic agonist.
All alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonists can be administered via what route?
A) IM
B) PO
C) IV
D) Subcutaneous
C) IV
Rationale:While some of the alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonists can be administered PO, subcutaneous, or IM, all of them can be administered IV, which is the normal route of administration during most emergencie
The nurse has entered a client’s room and found a client unresponsive, in respiratory and cardiac arrest. The nurse has initiated a code blue, and the resuscitation team has come to the bedside. The nurse should anticipate an order for what intervention?
A) Administration of norepinephrine IV
B) Administration of phenylephrine IM
C) STAT administration of midodrine
D) Administration of dobutamine IV
A) Administration of norepinephrine IV
Rationale:Norepinephrine can be used during cardiac arrest. Dobutamine is not normally used for this purpose. Phenylephrine can be used for this purpose, but IM administration would have far too slow at onset. Midodrine is not used for resuscitation.
The nurse is assessing a hospital client who has just been prescribed clonidine. What action should the nurse prioritize?
A) Auscultating breath sounds q1h after the first dose
B) Monitoring oxygen saturation
C) Implementing falls precautions
D) Assessing the IV site for extravasation
C) Implementing falls precautions
Rationale:The significant CNS effects associated with clonidine create a risk for falls, especially at the beginning of treatment. Respiratory status is not normally affected to a large degree, and the drug is given orally or transdermally, not intravenously.
The nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing significant central nervous system effects after receiving an alpha-specific adrenergic agonist. What finding is most likely?
A) Disorientation
B) Anxiety
C) Respiratory depression
D) Tinnitus
B) Anxiety
Rationale:CNS effects of alpha-specific adrenergic agonists include feelings of anxiety, restlessness, depression, fatigue, strange dreams, and personality changes. Disorientation is less common, and these drugs do not normally lead to respiratory depression. Tinnitus is not usually experienced either, though visual changes can occur.
