flash cards

Sympathetic nervous system

Fight or flight response, increases HR and BP, opens airways, increases alertness.

Parasympathetic nervous system

Rest and digest, slows HR, increases digestion, urination, and secretions.

Adrenergic receptors

Respond to norepinephrine and epinephrine.

Cholinergic receptors

Respond to acetylcholine.

Beta-1 receptors

Mainly affect the heart.

Beta-2 receptors

Mainly affect the lungs.

Adrenergic agonists

Stimulate the sympathetic nervous system.

Expected effects of adrenergic agonists

Tachycardia, bronchodilation, increased BP, increased alertness.

albuterol (Ventolin)

Adrenergic agonist, used for asthma/bronchodilation.

epinephrine (Adrenalin)

Adrenergic agonist, used in anaphylaxis/emergencies.

dopamine (Intropin)

Adrenergic agonist, used in shock/hypotension.

Common side effects of adrenergic agonists

Insomnia, restlessness, tachycardia, hypertension, palpitations.

Nursing monitoring with adrenergic agonists

Monitor HR, BP, lung sounds, IV site.

Serious complication from IV adrenergic agonists

Tissue necrosis from infiltration/extravasation.

Adrenergic blockers

Block sympathetic nervous system responses.

Beta blockers effect on the heart

Slow HR, decrease BP, reduce workload on the heart.

metoprolol (Lopressor)

Beta blocker.

propranolol (Inderal)

Beta blocker.

carvedilol (Coreg)

Beta blocker.

Common side effects of beta blockers

Bradycardia, hypotension, fatigue, bronchoconstriction.

Beta blockers in asthma

Used cautiously as they can narrow airways and worsen breathing.

Patient teaching for beta blockers

Do NOT stop suddenly.

Cholinergic agonists

Stimulate the rest and digest response.

Effects of cholinergic agonists

Decreased HR, increased urination, GI activity, and secretions.

bethanechol (Urecholine)

Cholinergic agonist, used for urinary retention.

pyridostigmine (Mestinon)

Cholinergic agonist, used for myasthenia gravis.

donepezil (Aricept)

Cholinergic agonist, used for Alzheimer’s disease.

Common side effects of cholinergic agonists

Diarrhea, bradycardia, sweating, salivation, urinary frequency.

SLUDGE

Helps identify cholinergic toxicity/crisis.