Adrenergic & Cholinergic Receptors
What is the primary function of Alpha-1 receptors?
Vasoconstriction, increased BP, urinary retention, pupil dilation.
What class of drugs mimics the effects of the sympathetic nervous system?
Adrenergic (sympathomimetic) drugs.
Which adrenergic drug is used to treat anaphylaxis?
Epinephrine.
What are common side effects of Beta-blockers?
Bradycardia, hypotension, fatigue, dizziness, and erectile dysfunction.
What should be monitored when administering norepinephrine?
BP, HR, IV site (for infiltration), urine output.
Which receptor type causes bronchodilation when stimulated?
Beta-2 receptors.
What is the primary effect of Beta-2 agonists?
Bronchodilation and vasodilation.
Name a Beta-blocker used to manage hypertension.
Metoprolol or Atenolol.
Why should Beta-blockers be used cautiously in asthmatic patients?
Non-selective Beta-blockers can cause bronchoconstriction, worsening asthma symptoms.
Why should Beta-blockers never be stopped abruptly?
May cause rebound hypertension, tachycardia, and angina.
Name two locations where Beta-1 receptors are found.
Heart and kidney.
Give one example each of an adrenergic agonist and an antagonist.
Agonist - Epinephrine; Antagonist - Propranolol.
What is the preferred drug for treating Myasthenia Gravis?
Neostigmine or Pyridostigmine.
What is the major adverse effect of Alpha-1 blockers?
Orthostatic hypotension and reflex tachycardia.
What patient teaching should be provided for patients taking anticholinergic drugs?
Increase fluid intake, monitor for dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention.
What effect does Alpha-2 receptor activation have on norepinephrine release?
Inhibits norepinephrine release, leading to decreased BP.
What is the function of cholinergic drugs?
Stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, increase secretions, decrease heart rate, and cause muscle contractions.
How do adrenergic antagonists help in treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?
Alpha-1 blockers relax smooth muscle in the bladder neck, improving urine flow.
Which drug class is contraindicated in patients with peptic ulcer disease?
Cholinergic drugs (increase gastric acid secretion).
What vital signs should be monitored before administering a Beta-blocker?
Heart rate and blood pressure.
Differentiate between nicotinic and muscarinic cholinergic receptors.
Nicotinic receptors are found in skeletal muscles and autonomic ganglia; muscarinic receptors are found in smooth muscles, cardiac muscles, and glands.
How does norepinephrine affect blood pressure in hypotensive patients?
It increases BP through vasoconstriction and increased cardiac output.
What is the role of beta-blockers in glaucoma treatment?
They reduce intraocular pressure by decreasing aqueous humor production.
What is a cholinergic crisis, and how is it treated?
Excessive ACh stimulation leading to muscle weakness, respiratory failure; treated with Atropine
How do nurses assess for therapeutic effectiveness of bronchodilators?
Improved breathing, decreased wheezing, reduced respiratory distress.