PRN 1381/PRN1381 Exam 2 V1 | Principles
of Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. A patient is receiving epinephrine for an anaphylactic reaction. Which receptor stimulation
is responsible for the bronchodilation effect?
A. Alpha-1
B. Beta-1
C. Beta-2
D. Alpha-2
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Beta-2 receptor stimulation causes the relaxation of smooth muscles
in the bronchioles, leading to bronchodilation. Epinephrine is a nonselective agonist that
hits multiple receptors to stabilize the patient during anaphylaxis. This action is critical for
improving oxygenation during a severe allergic reaction.
2. When administering Albuterol to a patient with asthma, what is the most common side
effect the nurse should monitor for?
A. Bradycardia
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Tachycardia
,D. Urinary retention
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a selective Beta-2 agonist, but at higher doses, it can
stimulate Beta-1 receptors in the heart. This stimulation leads to an increased heart rate,
often referred to as tachycardia. Patients frequently report feeling jittery or having
palpitations after administration.
3. The nurse is preparing to administer Propranolol to a patient. Which condition in the
patient’s history would be a contraindication for this drug?
A. Asthma
B. Tachycardia
C. Hypertension
D. Angina
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that affects both Beta-1
and Beta-2 receptors. Blocking Beta-2 receptors can lead to bronchoconstriction, which is
dangerous for patients with asthma or COPD. Selective beta-blockers are preferred for
patients with respiratory issues to avoid this complication.
4. Which medication is classified as a cholinergic agonist used to treat non-obstructive urinary
retention?
A. Atropine
, B. Oxybutynin
C. Scopolamine
D. Bethanechol
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Bethanechol works by stimulating the muscarinic receptors in the
bladder to increase detrusor muscle tone. This action facilitates urination in patients who
have post-operative or post-partum urinary retention. It is a parasympathomimetic agent
that mimics the action of acetylcholine.
5. A patient is experiencing symptomatic bradycardia. Which medication should the nurse
anticipate administering?
A. Atropine
B. Metoprolol
C. Pilocarpine
D. Donepezil
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Atropine is an anticholinergic drug that blocks the vagus nerve’s
effect on the heart. By blocking parasympathetic input, it allows the heart rate to increase
during bradycardic emergencies. It is considered the first-line medication in the ACLS
bradycardia algorithm.
of Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. A patient is receiving epinephrine for an anaphylactic reaction. Which receptor stimulation
is responsible for the bronchodilation effect?
A. Alpha-1
B. Beta-1
C. Beta-2
D. Alpha-2
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Beta-2 receptor stimulation causes the relaxation of smooth muscles
in the bronchioles, leading to bronchodilation. Epinephrine is a nonselective agonist that
hits multiple receptors to stabilize the patient during anaphylaxis. This action is critical for
improving oxygenation during a severe allergic reaction.
2. When administering Albuterol to a patient with asthma, what is the most common side
effect the nurse should monitor for?
A. Bradycardia
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Tachycardia
,D. Urinary retention
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a selective Beta-2 agonist, but at higher doses, it can
stimulate Beta-1 receptors in the heart. This stimulation leads to an increased heart rate,
often referred to as tachycardia. Patients frequently report feeling jittery or having
palpitations after administration.
3. The nurse is preparing to administer Propranolol to a patient. Which condition in the
patient’s history would be a contraindication for this drug?
A. Asthma
B. Tachycardia
C. Hypertension
D. Angina
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that affects both Beta-1
and Beta-2 receptors. Blocking Beta-2 receptors can lead to bronchoconstriction, which is
dangerous for patients with asthma or COPD. Selective beta-blockers are preferred for
patients with respiratory issues to avoid this complication.
4. Which medication is classified as a cholinergic agonist used to treat non-obstructive urinary
retention?
A. Atropine
, B. Oxybutynin
C. Scopolamine
D. Bethanechol
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Bethanechol works by stimulating the muscarinic receptors in the
bladder to increase detrusor muscle tone. This action facilitates urination in patients who
have post-operative or post-partum urinary retention. It is a parasympathomimetic agent
that mimics the action of acetylcholine.
5. A patient is experiencing symptomatic bradycardia. Which medication should the nurse
anticipate administering?
A. Atropine
B. Metoprolol
C. Pilocarpine
D. Donepezil
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Atropine is an anticholinergic drug that blocks the vagus nerve’s
effect on the heart. By blocking parasympathetic input, it allows the heart rate to increase
during bradycardic emergencies. It is considered the first-line medication in the ACLS
bradycardia algorithm.
