NURS 615 Exam 2: Autonomic and Central Nervous Systems

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the Autonomic Nervous System receptors, drugs, and Central Nervous System medications for anxiety and depression.

Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)

The 'Fight or flight' emergency response system that increases heart rate and blood pressure, causes bronchodilation, and utilizes adrenergic receptors.

Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)

The 'Rest and digest' maintenance system that promotes digestion, urination, salivation, and slowing of the heart using cholinergic/muscarinic receptors.

Agonist

A substance that activates or stimulates a receptor.

Antagonist (Blocker)

A substance that blocks receptor action.

Sympathomimetic

A drug or substance that acts like the Sympathetic Nervous System.

Sympatholytic

A drug or substance that blocks the Sympathetic Nervous System.

Alpha-1 ($\alpha1$) Receptors

Receptors located in the blood vessels, eyes, and bladder sphincter; stimulation causes vasoconstriction, increased blood pressure, and pupil dilation.

Alpha-2 ($\alpha2$) Receptors

Receptors located in the CNS and presynaptic nerve terminals; agonists like clonidine decrease norepinephrine release and lower blood pressure.

Beta-1 ($\beta1$) Receptors

Receptors located in the heart and kidneys; activation increases heart rate, contractility, cardiac output, and renin release.

Beta-2 ($\beta2$) Receptors

Receptors located in the lungs, uterus, and skeletal muscle vessels; activation leads to bronchodilation and uterine relaxation.

$\beta1$-selective blockers

Drugs such as metoprolol and atenolol that mainly target the heart and are less likely to cause bronchospasm than nonselective blockers.

Alpha-Beta Blockers

Drugs like carvedilol and labetalol that block $\beta$ receptors and $\alpha1$ receptors to lower heart rate and cause vasodilation.

Clonidine

A central $\alpha2$ agonist that decreases sympathetic outflow, lowers blood pressure, and can cause rebound hypertension if stopped abruptly.

Alpha-1 Adrenergic Blockers

Drugs such as prazosin, doxazosin, and terazosin that cause vasodilation and are used for hypertension and BPH.

Cholinergic Agonists

Drugs like bethanechol and pilocarpine used to stimulate parasympathetic activity for conditions like urinary retention or xerostomia.

Anticholinergic Side Effects

A set of adverse effects summarized by the memory trick: 'Can’t see, can’t pee, can’t spit, can’t poop.'

Benzodiazepines

CNS depressants such as alprazolam and lorazepam that enhance GABA activity at the $GABA-A$ receptor to treat anxiety and seizures.

Buspirone (Buspar)

A partial agonist at serotonin $5-HT_{1A}$ receptors used for anxiety that lack sedation, respiratory depression, or dependence risks.

SIGECAPS

A mnemonic for depression manifestations: Sleep changes, Interest loss, Guilt, Energy loss, Concentration problems, Appetite changes, Psychomotor changes, and Suicidal ideation.

SSRIs

Drugs like fluoxetine and sertraline that block the serotonin reuptake transporter ($SERT$) to increase serotonin in the synapse.

Serotonin Syndrome

A potentially life-threatening condition characterized by fever, agitation, confusion, tremor, hyperreflexia, and diarrhea.

FINISH Mnemonic

A mnemonic for discontinuation syndrome: Flu-like symptoms, Insomnia, Nausea, Imbalance, Sensory disturbances ('brain zaps'), and Hyperarousal.

SNRIs

Drugs such as venlafaxine and duloxetine that block both serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

Drugs like amitriptyline that block serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake along with muscarinic, histamine, and alpha receptors; dangerous in overdose.

Bupropion (Wellbutrin)

A norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor ($NDRI$) used for depression and smoking cessation; contraindicated in seizure and eating disorders.

Autoinduction

A process where a drug, such as carbamazepine, increases its own metabolism over time, potentially leading to lower blood levels.

Lithium

A mood stabilizer requiring consistent sodium intake and hydration; toxicity symptoms include severe tremor, ataxia, and slurred speech.