A patient has anxiety, increased heart rate, and fear. The nurse ...

[soccerdreamer_17]

A patient has anxiety, increased heart rate, and fear. The nurse would suspect the presence of a high concentration of which neurotransmitter?
 
  a. GABA
  b. Histamine
  c. Acetylcholine
  d. Norepinephrine

Question 2

A nurse should assess a patient taking a medication with anticholinergic properties for inhibited function of the:
 
  a. parasympathetic nervous system
  b. sympathetic nervous system
  c. reticular activating system
  d. medulla oblongata

[amit]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Norepinephrine is the neurotransmitter associated with sympathetic nervous system stimulation, preparing the individual for fight or flight response. GABA is a mediator of anxiety level. A high concentration of histamine is associated with an inflammatory response. A high concentration of acetylcholine is associated with parasympathetic nervous system stimulation.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter found in high concentration in the parasympathetic nervous system. When acetylcholine action is inhibited by anticholinergic drugs, parasympathetic symptoms such as blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention appear. The functions of the sympathetic nervous system, the reticular activating system, and the medulla oblongata are not affected by anticholinergic medications.