BIO301 | BIO301 Pharmacology Exam 2 Version 3 |
Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Saint Paul’s School
of Nursing
1. A patient is receiving Epinephrine for treatment of anaphylactic shock. Which
physiological response should the nurse expect to observe?
A. Decreased heart rate and blood pressure
B. Increased heart rate and bronchodilation
C. Bronchoconstriction and bradycardia
D. Miosis and increased gastric motility
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Epinephrine is a non-selective adrenergic agonist that
stimulates Alpha-1, Beta-1, and Beta-2 receptors. Stimulation of Beta-1 receptors
increases heart rate and contractility, while Beta-2 stimulation leads to
bronchodilation. These actions are vital in reversing the pathophysiology of
anaphylaxis, which involves airway constriction and hypotension. The nurse must
monitor for tachycardia and hypertension as expected pharmacological effects of
this medication. Understanding receptor selectivity is essential for predicting both
therapeutic and adverse drug reactions in emergency care.
,2. A patient with a history of asthma is prescribed Propranolol for hypertension. Why
is this drug choice concerning for the nurse?
A. It may cause severe hyperglycemia
B. It increases the risk of peptic ulcer disease
C. It typically causes excessive urinary retention
D. It could induce significant bronchoconstriction
Correct Answer: D
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 narrowing of the airways, which is dangerous for patients with asthma or
COPD. This medication can precipitate a life-threatening asthma attack by
preventing bronchodilation. The nurse should advocate for a selective Beta-1
blocker, such as Metoprolol, which is safer for respiratory patients. Close
assessment of breath sounds and respiratory effort is mandatory when
administering non-selective beta-blockers.
3. Which assessment finding is a priority for a nurse monitoring a patient on
Bethanechol for urinary retention?
A. Dizziness upon standing
B. Presence of wheezing on lung auscultation
,C. Dryness of the oral mucosa
D. Increase in heart rate to 110 bpm
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Bethanechol is a cholinergic agonist that stimulates the
parasympathetic nervous system via muscarinic receptors. While it helps with
bladder contraction, it also causes side effects like bronchoconstriction and
increased secretions. Wheezing indicates a potentially serious respiratory adverse
effect that requires immediate intervention. Cholinergic drugs are generally
contraindicated in patients with active asthma due to these pulmonary risks. The
nurse must prioritize airway and breathing assessments whenever cholinergic
stimulation occurs systemically.
4. The nurse is preparing to administer Atropine to a patient. Which condition would
be a contraindication for this medication?
A. Sinus bradycardia
B. Irritable bowel syndrome
C. Narrow-angle glaucoma
D. Excessive salivation
Correct Answer: C
, Expert Explanation: Atropine is an anticholinergic medication that blocks
muscarinic receptors, leading to pupil dilation (mydriasis). In patients with narrow-
angle glaucoma, this dilation can increase intraocular pressure to dangerous levels.
It is a classic contraindication because it impairs the drainage of aqueous humor in
the eye. Nurses must screen all patients for glaucoma before administering any
anticholinergic agents. This drug is otherwise commonly used to treat symptomatic
bradycardia and decrease secretions.
5. A patient is taking Albuterol for acute bronchospasm. Which side effect is most
likely to occur as a result of Beta-2 agonist therapy?
A. Muscle tremors
B. Bradycardia
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Sedation
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a selective Beta-2 adrenergic agonist primarily
used to dilate the bronchioles during respiratory distress. However, it can also
stimulate Beta-2 receptors in skeletal muscle, leading to tremors and jitters. While
selective, high doses can also spill over to Beta-1 receptors, causing tachycardia and
palpitations. Patients should be educated that these feelings of nervousness are
Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Saint Paul’s School
of Nursing
1. A patient is receiving Epinephrine for treatment of anaphylactic shock. Which
physiological response should the nurse expect to observe?
A. Decreased heart rate and blood pressure
B. Increased heart rate and bronchodilation
C. Bronchoconstriction and bradycardia
D. Miosis and increased gastric motility
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Epinephrine is a non-selective adrenergic agonist that
stimulates Alpha-1, Beta-1, and Beta-2 receptors. Stimulation of Beta-1 receptors
increases heart rate and contractility, while Beta-2 stimulation leads to
bronchodilation. These actions are vital in reversing the pathophysiology of
anaphylaxis, which involves airway constriction and hypotension. The nurse must
monitor for tachycardia and hypertension as expected pharmacological effects of
this medication. Understanding receptor selectivity is essential for predicting both
therapeutic and adverse drug reactions in emergency care.
,2. A patient with a history of asthma is prescribed Propranolol for hypertension. Why
is this drug choice concerning for the nurse?
A. It may cause severe hyperglycemia
B. It increases the risk of peptic ulcer disease
C. It typically causes excessive urinary retention
D. It could induce significant bronchoconstriction
Correct Answer: D
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 narrowing of the airways, which is dangerous for patients with asthma or
COPD. This medication can precipitate a life-threatening asthma attack by
preventing bronchodilation. The nurse should advocate for a selective Beta-1
blocker, such as Metoprolol, which is safer for respiratory patients. Close
assessment of breath sounds and respiratory effort is mandatory when
administering non-selective beta-blockers.
3. Which assessment finding is a priority for a nurse monitoring a patient on
Bethanechol for urinary retention?
A. Dizziness upon standing
B. Presence of wheezing on lung auscultation
,C. Dryness of the oral mucosa
D. Increase in heart rate to 110 bpm
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Bethanechol is a cholinergic agonist that stimulates the
parasympathetic nervous system via muscarinic receptors. While it helps with
bladder contraction, it also causes side effects like bronchoconstriction and
increased secretions. Wheezing indicates a potentially serious respiratory adverse
effect that requires immediate intervention. Cholinergic drugs are generally
contraindicated in patients with active asthma due to these pulmonary risks. The
nurse must prioritize airway and breathing assessments whenever cholinergic
stimulation occurs systemically.
4. The nurse is preparing to administer Atropine to a patient. Which condition would
be a contraindication for this medication?
A. Sinus bradycardia
B. Irritable bowel syndrome
C. Narrow-angle glaucoma
D. Excessive salivation
Correct Answer: C
, Expert Explanation: Atropine is an anticholinergic medication that blocks
muscarinic receptors, leading to pupil dilation (mydriasis). In patients with narrow-
angle glaucoma, this dilation can increase intraocular pressure to dangerous levels.
It is a classic contraindication because it impairs the drainage of aqueous humor in
the eye. Nurses must screen all patients for glaucoma before administering any
anticholinergic agents. This drug is otherwise commonly used to treat symptomatic
bradycardia and decrease secretions.
5. A patient is taking Albuterol for acute bronchospasm. Which side effect is most
likely to occur as a result of Beta-2 agonist therapy?
A. Muscle tremors
B. Bradycardia
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Sedation
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a selective Beta-2 adrenergic agonist primarily
used to dilate the bronchioles during respiratory distress. However, it can also
stimulate Beta-2 receptors in skeletal muscle, leading to tremors and jitters. While
selective, high doses can also spill over to Beta-1 receptors, causing tachycardia and
palpitations. Patients should be educated that these feelings of nervousness are
