Chapter 29  Introduction to the Autonomic Nervous System

Chapter 29  Introduction to the Autonomic Nervous System

Complete Chapter Questions And Answers
 

Sample Questions

1. The central nervous system (CNS) cells, where the impulses for the sympathetic nervous system (SNS)
originate, are located where?

A) Cranium and sacral area of the spinal cord

B) Hypothalamus and the medulla

C) Nerve membranes

D) Thoracic and lumbar sections of the spinal cord

Ans: D

Feedback:

The SNS is also called the thoracolumbar system because the CNS cells, where the impulses for the
SNS originate, are located in the thoracic and lumbar sections of the spinal cord. The parasympathetic
nervous system (PNS) is called the craniosacral system because the CNS neurons, where the impulses
for the PNS originate, are found in the cranium and the sacral area of the spinal cord. Alpha2-receptors
are located on nerve membranes and the hypothalamus and medulla are located where the main nerve
centers for the autonomic nervous system (ANS) are located.

2. The nurse assesses that the patient is having a sympathetic response when noting what manifestations?

A) Decrease in sweating, decrease in respirations, and pupil constriction

B) Decrease in heart rate and perfusion, and an increase in inflammatory reactions

C) Increase in blood pressure, bronchodilation, and decreased bowel sounds

D) Increased motility and secretions in the GI tract, and constriction of bronchi and pupils

Ans: C

Feedback:

When stimulated, the sympathetic nervous system prepares the body to flee or to turn and fight (Figure
29.3). Cardiovascular activity increases, as do blood pressure, heart rate, and blood flow to the skeletal
muscles. Respiratory efficiency also increases; bronchi dilate to allow more air to enter with each
breath, and the respiratory rate increases. Pupils dilate to permit more light to enter the eye, to improve
vision in darkened areas (which helps a person to see to fight or flee). Sweating increases to dissipate
heat generated by the increased metabolic activity.

Test Bank – Focus on Nursing Pharmacology (7th Edition by Amy Karch) 471

3. An anatomy and physiology instructor scratches chalk across the blackboard causing a screeching
sound. Several students get a feeling like their ​hair is standing on end.​ This response is part of the
sympathetic stress reaction and is called what?

A) Diaphoresis

B) Diuresis

C) Piloerection

D) Vasoconstriction

Ans: C

Feedback:

The ​goose flesh​ or ​hair standing on end​ reaction that occurs as part of the stress response is called
piloerection. Diaphoresis refers to sweating. Diuresis is the loss of water through the kidneys.
Vasoconstriction is a muscle contraction in the blood vessel leading to blood vessel narrowing.

4. The nurse administers a drug to the patient whose heart rate is bradycardic aimed at increasing heart
rate and myocardial activity. What adrenergic receptor is this drug stimulating?

Alpha
A) 1

Alpha
B) 2

Beta
C) 1

Beta
D) 2

Ans: C

Feedback:

Beta1-receptors are found in cardiac tissue where they can stimulate increased myocardial activity and
increased heart rate. Alpha1-receptors are found in blood vessels, in the iris, and in the urinary bladder.
Alpha2-receptors are located on nerve membranes and act as modulators of norepinephrine release.
Beta1-receptors are found in smooth muscle in blood vessels, in the bronchi, in the periphery, and in
uterine muscle.

5. The nurse administers a drug that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. What physiological
response would indicate the drug is working?

A) Vasoconstriction

B) Increased gastrointestinal (GI) motility

C) Increased heart rate

D) Pupil dilation

Ans: B

Feedback:

When the parasympathetic nervous system is stimulated, the result is increased GI motility, decreased
GI secretions, decreased heart rate, and pupillary constriction, which all result from stimulation of the
sympathetic nervous system.