BIO301 | BIO301 Pharmacology Exam 2 Version 2 |
Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Saint Paul’s School
of Nursing
1. A patient is receiving epinephrine for an anaphylactic reaction. Which physiological
effect should the nurse expect after administration?
A. Bronchoconstriction and bradycardia
B. Increased gastric motility and sweating
C. Decreased blood pressure and pupil constriction
D. Increased heart rate and bronchodilation
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Epinephrine is a non-selective adrenergic agonist that
stimulates alpha-1, beta-1, and beta-2 receptors. By stimulating beta-1 receptors, it
increases heart rate and myocardial contractility. The stimulation of beta-2
receptors leads to bronchodilation, which is critical during anaphylaxis. The nurse
must monitor for tachycardia and hypertension as common side effects. This
medication is the primary treatment for severe systemic allergic reactions due to its
rapid life-saving effects.
,2. Bethanechol is prescribed for a patient with post-operative urinary retention. What
is the mechanism of action for this drug?
A. It stimulates muscarinic receptors in the bladder.
B. It inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase.
C. It blocks nicotinic receptors in the ganglia.
D. It acts as an antagonist to alpha-adrenergic receptors.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Bethanechol is a direct-acting cholinergic agonist that
specifically targets muscarinic receptors. In the urinary system, it increases the tone
of the detrusor muscle and relaxes the internal sphincter. This action facilitates
bladder emptying in patients with non-obstructive urinary retention. Nurses should
assess for side effects like abdominal cramping or excessive salivation. It is
important to ensure no physical obstruction exists before administering this
medication to avoid bladder rupture.
3. Which clinical manifestation would a nurse anticipate as an adverse effect of an
anticholinergic drug like atropine?
A. Excessive drooling and diarrhea
B. Dry mouth and blurred vision
C. Urinary frequency and bradycardia
,D. Miosis and lowered intraocular pressure
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Anticholinergic drugs like atropine block the action of
acetylcholine at muscarinic receptor sites. This results in the ‘drying up’ of body
secretions and relaxation of smooth muscles. Common adverse effects include
xerostomia, blurred vision due to mydriasis, and constipation. Nurses should
educate patients to use sugarless candy or ice chips to manage dry mouth
symptoms. Because these drugs can increase intraocular pressure, they are
contraindicated in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma.
4. A patient with asthma is prescribed propranolol for hypertension. Why is this
medication potentially dangerous for this patient?
A. It causes excessive tachycardia that mimics an asthma attack.
B. It stimulates alpha receptors, causing airway edema.
C. It blocks beta-2 receptors, leading to bronchoconstriction.
D. It increases the metabolism of bronchodilators.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Propranolol is a non-selective beta-adrenergic antagonist that
blocks both beta-1 and beta-2 receptors. Blocking beta-2 receptors in the lungs can
lead to bronchospasm, which is life-threatening for patients with asthma or COPD.
, Selective beta-1 blockers are generally preferred for patients with respiratory issues
to minimize this risk. The nurse must assess the patient’s respiratory status and
breath sounds frequently if this drug is used. Education should include teaching the
patient to report any shortness of breath or wheezing immediately.
5. Metoprolol is a cardioselective beta-blocker. Which physiological parameter is the
primary target for this drug?
A. Pupillary dilation
B. Bronchial smooth muscle relaxation
C. Glucose release from the liver
D. Heart rate and contractility
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Metoprolol selectively inhibits beta-1 adrenergic receptors
located primarily in the cardiac tissue. This inhibition leads to a decrease in heart
rate, force of contraction, and conduction velocity. It is commonly used to treat
hypertension, angina, and heart failure by reducing cardiac workload. Unlike non-
selective blockers, it has a lower affinity for beta-2 receptors found in the lungs at
therapeutic doses. Nurses must check the apical pulse and blood pressure before
administration to ensure safety.
Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Saint Paul’s School
of Nursing
1. A patient is receiving epinephrine for an anaphylactic reaction. Which physiological
effect should the nurse expect after administration?
A. Bronchoconstriction and bradycardia
B. Increased gastric motility and sweating
C. Decreased blood pressure and pupil constriction
D. Increased heart rate and bronchodilation
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Epinephrine is a non-selective adrenergic agonist that
stimulates alpha-1, beta-1, and beta-2 receptors. By stimulating beta-1 receptors, it
increases heart rate and myocardial contractility. The stimulation of beta-2
receptors leads to bronchodilation, which is critical during anaphylaxis. The nurse
must monitor for tachycardia and hypertension as common side effects. This
medication is the primary treatment for severe systemic allergic reactions due to its
rapid life-saving effects.
,2. Bethanechol is prescribed for a patient with post-operative urinary retention. What
is the mechanism of action for this drug?
A. It stimulates muscarinic receptors in the bladder.
B. It inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase.
C. It blocks nicotinic receptors in the ganglia.
D. It acts as an antagonist to alpha-adrenergic receptors.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Bethanechol is a direct-acting cholinergic agonist that
specifically targets muscarinic receptors. In the urinary system, it increases the tone
of the detrusor muscle and relaxes the internal sphincter. This action facilitates
bladder emptying in patients with non-obstructive urinary retention. Nurses should
assess for side effects like abdominal cramping or excessive salivation. It is
important to ensure no physical obstruction exists before administering this
medication to avoid bladder rupture.
3. Which clinical manifestation would a nurse anticipate as an adverse effect of an
anticholinergic drug like atropine?
A. Excessive drooling and diarrhea
B. Dry mouth and blurred vision
C. Urinary frequency and bradycardia
,D. Miosis and lowered intraocular pressure
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Anticholinergic drugs like atropine block the action of
acetylcholine at muscarinic receptor sites. This results in the ‘drying up’ of body
secretions and relaxation of smooth muscles. Common adverse effects include
xerostomia, blurred vision due to mydriasis, and constipation. Nurses should
educate patients to use sugarless candy or ice chips to manage dry mouth
symptoms. Because these drugs can increase intraocular pressure, they are
contraindicated in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma.
4. A patient with asthma is prescribed propranolol for hypertension. Why is this
medication potentially dangerous for this patient?
A. It causes excessive tachycardia that mimics an asthma attack.
B. It stimulates alpha receptors, causing airway edema.
C. It blocks beta-2 receptors, leading to bronchoconstriction.
D. It increases the metabolism of bronchodilators.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Propranolol is a non-selective beta-adrenergic antagonist that
blocks both beta-1 and beta-2 receptors. Blocking beta-2 receptors in the lungs can
lead to bronchospasm, which is life-threatening for patients with asthma or COPD.
, Selective beta-1 blockers are generally preferred for patients with respiratory issues
to minimize this risk. The nurse must assess the patient’s respiratory status and
breath sounds frequently if this drug is used. Education should include teaching the
patient to report any shortness of breath or wheezing immediately.
5. Metoprolol is a cardioselective beta-blocker. Which physiological parameter is the
primary target for this drug?
A. Pupillary dilation
B. Bronchial smooth muscle relaxation
C. Glucose release from the liver
D. Heart rate and contractility
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Metoprolol selectively inhibits beta-1 adrenergic receptors
located primarily in the cardiac tissue. This inhibition leads to a decrease in heart
rate, force of contraction, and conduction velocity. It is commonly used to treat
hypertension, angina, and heart failure by reducing cardiac workload. Unlike non-
selective blockers, it has a lower affinity for beta-2 receptors found in the lungs at
therapeutic doses. Nurses must check the apical pulse and blood pressure before
administration to ensure safety.
