NUR 1290 Exam Review: Autonomic and Central Nervous System Drugs

Flashcards covering essential Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and Central Nervous System (CNS) drug classifications, mechanisms, side effects, and nursing priorities.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

The system that controls automatic body functions such as heart rate, breathing, digestion, bladder function, and pupil size.

Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)

Known as "Fight or Flight," it speeds the body up, dilates pupils, causes bronchodilation, and increases heart rate and blood pressure.

Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)

Known as "Rest and Digest," it slows the body down, constricts pupils, causes bronchoconstriction, and increases GI motility.

Agonist

A substance that activates a receptor, essentially turning it "ON."

Antagonist/Blocker

A substance that blocks a receptor, essentially turning it "OFF."

Alpha 1 Receptor

An adrenergic receptor that primarily causes vasoconstriction and raises blood pressure.

Alpha 2 Receptor

An adrenergic receptor that inhibits the Sympathetic Nervous System response.

Beta 1 Receptor

Located mainly in the heart, stimulation increases heart rate, contraction, and conduction.

Beta 2 Receptor

Located mainly in the lungs, stimulation causes bronchodilation.

Cholinergic Receptors

Receptors of the Parasympathetic Nervous System that use acetylcholine (ACh) to increase digestion, urination, and secretions while slowing heart rate.

Sympathomimetics

Adrenergic agonists that mimic the effects of the Sympathetic Nervous System, leading to increased heart rate and alertness.

Albuterol (Ventolin)

A Beta 2 agonist used for asthma and bronchitis that causes bronchodilation but can lead to tachycardia and tremors.

Phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine)

An Alpha 1 agonist used for nasal congestion and hypotension; can cause rebound congestion if overused.

Epinephrine (Adrenalin)

An emergency drug that stimulates alpha and beta receptors, used for anaphylactic shock to raise BP and cause bronchodilation.

Alpha Blockers

Drugs like doxazosin and tamsulosin that cause vasodilation, used to lower blood pressure or aid urination in BPH.

Orthostatic Hypotension

A major side effect of Alpha Blockers where patients may faint or feel dizzy upon rising.

Beta Blockers

Drugs such as metoprolol, propranolol, and carvedilol that decrease heart rate, blood pressure, and contractility.

Beta Blockade HR Parameter

The nursing guideline stating to hold the medication if the heart rate is less than $60\,bpm$.

Bethanechol (Urecholine)

A cholinergic agonist used for urinary retention by stimulating bladder contraction.

Pyridostigmine (Mestinon)

A cholinergic agonist used to improve muscle strength in patients with myasthenia gravis.

SLUDGE

An acronym for cholinergic crisis toxicity: Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination, Diarrhea, GI cramps, and Emesis.

Anticholinergics

Parasympatholytics that block the PNS, making the patient "dry, hot, constipated, and tachycardic."

Atropine

An anticholinergic used to treat bradycardia by raising the heart rate.

Oxybutynin (Ditropan)

An anticholinergic drug used to treat overactive bladder by decreasing bladder spasms.

Benzodiazepines

Drugs like diazepam, lorazepam, and midazolam that enhance GABA activity to slow down the CNS; used for anxiety, seizures, and sedation.

Flumazenil (Romazicon)

The specific antidote used to reverse the effects of benzodiazepines.

Zolpidem (Ambien)

A sleep aid that can cause complex nighttime behaviors like sleep walking.

Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)

A muscle relaxant used for muscle spasms; requires fall precautions due to sedation side effects.

Phenytoin (Dilantin) Therapeutic Level

The narrow range established for this antiepileptic drug, measured at $10\text{--}20\,mcg/mL$.

Gingival Hyperplasia

A side effect of phenytoin requiring patients to maintain strict oral hygiene and regular dental care.

Carbidopa-Levodopa (Sinemet)

The most common drug for Parkinson's disease that increases dopamine levels; should be taken before high-protein meals.

SSRIs

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors like fluoxetine used for depression that typically take $4\text{--}6\,weeks$ to work.

Serotonin Syndrome

A medical emergency caused by excess serotonin characterized by fever, agitation, sweating, confusion, and tremors.

MAOIs Tyramine Restriction

Patients taking drugs like selegiline must avoid aged cheese, wine, and yogurt to prevent a hypertensive crisis.