Chapter 29 - Introduction to the Autonomic Nervous System Test Bank - Focus on Nursing Pharmacology (8th Edition by Karch)

1. The central nervous system (CNS) cells, where the impulses for the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) originate, are located where? a. Cranium and sacral area of the spinal cord b. Hypothalamus and the medulla c. Nerve membranes d. Thoracic and lumbar sections of the spinal cord Ans: D Feedback: The SNS is also called the thoracolumbar system because the CNS cells, where the impulses for the SNS originate, are located in the thoracic and lumbar sections of the spinal cord. The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) is called the craniosacral system because the CNS neurons, where the impulses for the PNS originate, are found in the cranium and the sacral area of the spinal cord. Alpha2-receptors are located on nerve membranes and the hypothalamus and medulla are located where the main nerve centers for the autonomic nervous system (ANS) are located. 2. The nurse assesses that the patient is having a sympathetic response when noting what manifestations? a. Decrease in sweating, decrease in respirations, and pupil constriction b. Decrease in heart rate and perfusion, and an increase in inflammatory reactions c. Increase in blood pressure, bronchodilation, and decreased bowel sounds d. Increased motility and secretions in the GI tract, and constriction of bronchi and pupils Ans: C Feedback: When stimulated, the sympathetic nervous system prepares the body to flee or to turn and fight (Figure 29.3). Cardiovascular activity increases, as do blood pressure, heart rate, and blood flow to the skeletal muscles. Respiratory efficiency also increases; bronchi dilate to allow more air to enter with each breath, and the respiratory rate increases. Pupils dilate to permit more light to enter the eye, to improve vision in darkened areas (which helps a person to see to fight or flee). Sweating increases to dissipate heat generated by the increased metabolic activity. 3. An anatomy and physiology instructor scratches chalk across the blackboard causing a screeching sound. Several students get a feeling like their hair is standing on end. This response is part of the sympathetic stress reaction and is called what? a. Diaphoresis b. Diuresis c. Piloerection d. Vasoconstriction Ans: C Feedback: The goose flesh or hair standing on end reaction that occurs as part of the stress response is called piloerection. Diaphoresis refers to sweating. Diuresis is the loss of water through the kidneys. Vasoconstriction is a muscle contraction in the blood vessel leading to blood vessel narrowing. 4. The nurse administers a drug to the patient whose heart rate is bradycardic aimed at increasing heart rate and myocardial activity. What adrenergic receptor is this drug stimulating? a. Alpha1 b. Alpha2 c. Beta1 d. Beta2 Ans: C Feedback: Beta1-receptors are found in cardiac tissue where they can stimulate increased myocardial activity and increased heart rate. Alpha1-receptors are found in blood vessels, in the iris, and in the urinary bladder. Alpha2-receptors are located on nerve membranes and act as modulators of norepinephrine release. Beta1-receptors are found in smooth muscle in blood vessels, in the bronchi, in the periphery, and in uterine muscle. 5. The nurse administers a drug that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. What physiological response would indicate the drug is working? a. Vasoconstriction b. Increased gastrointestinal (GI) motility c. Increased heart rate d. Pupil dilation Ans: B Feedback: When the parasympathetic nervous system is stimulated, the result is increased GI motility, decreased GI secretions, decreased heart rate, and pupillary constriction, which all result from stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. 6. When the nurse administers a drug that stimulates the nicotinic receptors, what manifestation would indicate the drug is working? a. Increased gastrointestinal (GI) motility b. Decrease in heart rate c. Muscle contraction d. Pupil constriction