Adrenergic Drugs and Autonomic Nervous System

Questions and Answers

Which of the following types of receptors is stimulated by dopamine?

Beta-adrenergic receptors

Alpha-adrenergic receptors

Dopaminergic receptors (correct)

Cholinergic receptors

What is the primary function of alpha2-adrenergic receptors?

To cause vasodilation in all arteries

To control the release of neurotransmitters (correct)

To mimic the effects of parasympathetic neurotransmitters

To stimulate postsynaptic effector cells

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of adrenergic drugs?

Cause vasoconstriction

Mimic the effects of SNS neurotransmitters

Increase blood pressure

Mimic the effects of PNS neurotransmitters (correct)

What is the name of the branch of the peripheral nervous system that controls autonomic bodily functions?

Autonomic nervous system Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of stimulating alpha1-adrenergic receptors?

Vasoconstriction Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of action of alpha-adrenergic receptors in the eye?

Temporary relief of conjunctival congestion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a sympathetic neurotransmitter?

Norepinephrine Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for adrenergic drugs that stimulate the sympathetic nervous system?

Sympathomimetics Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following medications is a cardioselective sympathomimetic?

Timolol Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following receptors is NOT a type of adrenergic receptor?

Cholinergic receptors Signup and view all the answers

What is a common adverse effect of alpha-adrenergic medications?

Headache Signup and view all the answers

What should the nurse assess before administering adrenergic medications?

Renal, hepatic, and cardiac function Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of the parasympathetic nervous system on blood vessels?

Vasodilation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the autonomic nervous system?

To regulate autonomic bodily functions Signup and view all the answers

Why should patients with chronic lung disease avoid over-the-counter medications?

To avoid interactions with prescribed medications Signup and view all the answers

What is a sign of therapeutic effect when administering adrenergic medications for cardiovascular uses?

Decreased edema Signup and view all the answers

What should the nurse educate patients about when using metered-dose inhalers?

Proper dosing and equipment care Signup and view all the answers

What is a common contraindication for adrenergic medications?

Known drug allergy Signup and view all the answers

Why should adrenergic medications be infused slowly?

To avoid dangerous cardiovascular effects Signup and view all the answers

What is a therapeutic effect of adrenergic medications in asthma?

Improved breath sounds and fewer crackles Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following receptors is primarily responsible for uterine relaxation?

Beta2 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of stimulation of alpha1-adrenergic receptors on smooth muscle?

Constriction Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sympathomimetic causes the release of catecholamine from storage sites in nerve endings?

Indirect-acting Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of stimulation of beta1-adrenergic receptors on the myocardium?

Increased force of contraction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a beta2-adrenergic receptor agonist used for the treatment of respiratory conditions?

Albuterol Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of stimulation of alpha1-adrenergic receptors in the eye?

Mydriasis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a cardiovascular indication for the use of sympathomimetics?

Treatment of shock Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of stimulation of beta2-adrenergic receptors on the gastrointestinal tract?

Decreased motility Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sympathomimetic binds directly to the receptor and causes a physiologic response?

Direct-acting Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of stimulation of alpha1-adrenergic receptors in the bladder?

Constriction of the bladder sphincter Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Adrenergic Drugs

• Adrenergic drugs stimulate the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and are also known as adrenergic agonists or sympathomimetics, mimicking the effects of SNS neurotransmitters.

Autonomic Nervous System

• The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a branch of the peripheral nervous system that controls autonomic bodily functions, consisting of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). • The ANS is further subdivided into parasympathetic (cholinergic) and sympathetic (adrenergic) systems, which provide checks and balances to maintain homeostasis.

Characteristics of Adrenergic Agonists

• Mimic the effects of SNS neurotransmitters: catecholamines (norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine) • Divided into alpha-adrenergic receptors (alpha1, alpha2) and beta-adrenergic receptors (beta1, beta2, beta3)

Alpha-Adrenergic Receptors

• Located throughout the body • Receptors for sympathetic neurotransmitters • Divided into alpha1 and alpha2 receptors, differentiated by their location on nerves • Alpha1 receptors: located on postsynaptic effector cells, control vasoconstriction • Alpha2 receptors: located on presynaptic nerve terminals, control the release of neurotransmitters

Beta-Adrenergic Receptors

• Located on postsynaptic effector cells • Beta1 receptors: located primarily in the heart, stimulate cardiac muscle and increase heart rate • Beta2 receptors: located in smooth muscle of bronchioles, arterioles, and visceral organs, stimulate relaxation and dilation

Adrenergic Agonist Responses

• Alpha-adrenergic agonist responses: vasoconstriction, mimic naturally occurring neurotransmitters • Beta-adrenergic agonist responses: bronchial, gastrointestinal, and uterine smooth muscle relaxation, glycogenolysis, cardiac stimulation

Responses to Stimulation

• Cardiovascular: blood vessels (alpha1 - vasoconstriction, beta2 - vasodilation), cardiac muscle (beta1 - increased contractility), atrioventricular node (beta1 - increased heart rate) • Endocrine: liver (alpha1, beta2 - glycogenolysis), kidney (beta1 - increased renin secretion) • Gastrointestinal: muscle (alpha1, beta2 - decreased motility), genitourinary: bladder sphincter (alpha1 - constriction), penis (alpha1 - ejaculation), uterus (alpha1 - contraction, beta2 - relaxation) • Respiratory: bronchial muscles (beta2 - dilation), ocular: pupillary muscles of the iris (alpha1 - mydriasis)

Direct-acting, Indirect-acting, and Mixed-acting Sympathomimetics

• Direct-acting sympathomimetics: bind directly to the receptor and cause a physiologic response • Indirect-acting sympathomimetics: cause release of catecholamine from storage sites in nerve endings, which then binds to receptors • Mixed-acting sympathomimetics: directly stimulate the receptor and indirectly stimulate the receptor by causing release of stored neurotransmitters

Drug Effects

• Stimulation of alpha-adrenergic receptors on smooth muscles: vasoconstriction, constriction of bladder sphincter, contraction of uterus, male ejaculation, contraction of pupillary muscles of the eye • Stimulation of beta1-adrenergic receptors on the myocardium, atrioventricular node, and sinoatrial node: cardiac stimulation (increased force of contraction, heart rate, and conduction) • Stimulation of beta2-adrenergic receptors on the airways: bronchodilation, relaxation of uterine, GI smooth muscles, glycogenolysis in the liver, and increased renin secretion in the kidneys

Indications

• Respiratory: bronchodilators (stimulate beta2-adrenergic receptors), treatment of nasal congestion (alpha1-adrenergic receptors) • Cardiovascular: vasoactive adrenergics (pressors, inotropes), treatment of open-angle glaucoma (alpha-adrenergic receptors)

Contraindications and Adverse Effects

• Known drug allergy, severe hypertension • Alpha-adrenergic: headache, restlessness, excitement, insomnia, euphoria, chest pain, vasoconstriction, reflexive bradycardia, palpitations, dysrhythmias • Beta-adrenergic drugs: mild tremors, headache, nervousness, dizziness, increased heart rate, palpitations, fluctuations of blood pressure, sweating, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps

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Description

Learn about adrenergic drugs, their effects on the sympathetic nervous system, and the autonomic nervous system, including its subdivisions and functions.