Author Question: Many medications list side effects that include dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention. What ... (Read 115 times)

ENagel · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

Many medications list side effects that include dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention. What kind of effects are these?

a. Alpha adrenergic
b. Anticholinergic
c. Beta adrenergic
d. Sympathetic

Question 2

A patient is to receive a beta agonist. Before administration of this medication, which assessment finding would most concern the nurse?

a. Pulse oximetry reading of 88
b. Blood pressure of 100/60 mm Hg
c. Respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute
d. Heart rate of 110 beats per minute

brittrenee · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Cholinergic stimulation by ACh causes increased salivation, increased gastrointestinal (GI) motility, and relaxation of the bladder trigone and sphincter. Anticholinergic medications inhibit these responses, causing dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention. Alpha-adrenergic agents effect processes in the sympathetic nervous system, causing peripheral vasoconstriction and pupil dilation, among other effects. The effects of beta-adrenergic medications are seen mostly in the heart and blood vessels. The sympathetic nervous system has both cholinergic and adrenergic transmitters.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
A beta agonist dilates respiratory smooth muscle, but as a side effect, it can stimulate the heart. A heart rate of 110 beats per minute is a concern, because this medication may further increase the already elevated heart rate. A pulse oximetry reading of 88 is a concern, but the medication causes bronchodilation and increased oxygenation; this should increase the pulse oximetry reading. A blood pressure of 100/60 mm Hg is on the low side, but this medication may actually cause an increase in blood pressure as a side effect; this should not concern the nurse before administration of the medication. A respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute is elevated; however, this medication should increase oxygenation by bronchodilation, and the patient's respiratory rate should decrease once oxygenation has improved. Therefore, this should not concern the nurse.