Ritodrine is a drug indicated for suppressing uterine contractions in premature labor. The drug also causes bronchodilation. It has no vasoconstrictor effects, nor any effects on the size of the pupil of the eye. Which of the following is the most likely classification of this drug?
- A. α-adrenergic agonist
- B. Antimuscarinic drug
- C. β-adrenergic agonist
- D. β-adrenergic blocker
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: β-adrenergic agonist. Ritodrine is indicated for suppressing uterine contractions, which is a typical effect of β-adrenergic agonists. Bronchodilation is also a known effect of β-adrenergic agonists. Since the drug has no vasoconstrictor effects and does not affect the size of the pupil of the eye, it is unlikely to be an α-adrenergic agonist or an antimuscarinic drug. Additionally, the fact that ritodrine causes bronchodilation further supports its classification as a β-adrenergic agonist.
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A patient with diabetes insipidus is treated with nasal desmopressin acetate (DDAVP). The nurse determines that the drug is not having an adequate therapeutic effect when the patient experiences
- A. Headache and weight gain.
- B. A urine specific gravity of 1.002.
- C. Nasal irritation and nausea.
- D. An oral intake greater than urinary output.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: If the drug is not effective, the patient's urine specific gravity will remain low (1.002), indicating continued inability to concentrate urine.
Mr. Olson, a 55-year-old, adult-onset, non-insulin-dependent diabetic is on a 1500 diabetic diet. He wants to have his nightly bourbon and water. The nurse should explain that
- A. each ounce of alcohol contains approximately 50 calories
- B. the bourbon should be mixed with 7-Up or ginger-ale rather than water
- C. the caloric content of the alcohol must be subtracted from the total diet prescription
- D. Fermented spirits (beer, wine) would be better if he insists on a nightly drink
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Alcohol contains approximately 50 calories per ounce, and this must be considered in the patient's daily caloric intake.
Which glands are responsible for the regulation of calcium levels in the blood?
- A. Parathyroid and thyroid
- B. Adrenal medulla and pancreas
- C. Testes
- D. Parathyroid and thymus
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Parathyroid and thyroid. The parathyroid glands produce parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates calcium levels in the blood by increasing calcium absorption from the intestines and releasing calcium from bones. The thyroid gland produces calcitonin, which helps lower blood calcium levels by promoting calcium deposition in bones. The other choices (B: Adrenal medulla and pancreas, C: Testes, D: Parathyroid and thymus) are incorrect because they do not play a direct role in regulating calcium levels in the blood.
Why can a single endocrine hormone produce a wider spread of responses in more of the body than a single nerve cell?
- A. A single hormone can target many different responses, whereas a nerve only targets a single response.
- B. Blood can carry all the same hormones throughout the body simultaneously, producing responses all over the body; nerve cells can only target a small number of cells.
- C. Nerve cells and blood work together. The endocrine has nothing to do with the nervous system.
- D. Endocrine hormones only target a very small number of precise responses.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the bloodstream can carry hormones throughout the body simultaneously, reaching various target cells and organs. This enables a single endocrine hormone to produce responses in multiple parts of the body. In contrast, nerve cells can only target a limited number of cells through direct connections. Choice A is incorrect because endocrine hormones can also target multiple responses, not just one. Choice C is incorrect as the endocrine system and nervous system can interact. Choice D is incorrect as endocrine hormones can have broad effects on multiple target cells.
A diabetic patient presents with hot and dry skin, rapid and deep respirations, and a fruity odor to his breath. As charge nurse, you observe the new graduate RN accomplishing all these patient tasks. Which one requires that you intervene immediately?
- A. The RN checks the patient's fingerstick glucose.
- B. The RN encourages the patient to drink orange juice.
- C. The RN checks the patient's order for sliding scale insulin.
- D. The RN assesses the patient's vital signs every 15 minutes.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Encouraging the patient to drink orange juice in the presence of rapid, deep breathing, and fruity breath odor could worsen DKA. The patient needs immediate medical intervention, including IV fluids and insulin, rather than oral intake.