Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic Nervous System Quiz

True or False: The autonomic nervous system is unique because it has only one neuron that synapses in an autonomic ganglion. Hence it has only pregangolic neurons not postganglionic neurons.

FALSE.

Rationale: The autonomic nervous system has TWO neurons that synapse in an autonomic ganglion. Therefore, there is a pregangolic and postgangolic neuron.

The sympathetic nervous system postganglionic neuron releases what neurotransmitter?

• Acetylcholine

• Norepinephrine

• Both Acetylcholine and Norepinephrine

• Arginine

Nonrepinephrine

The sympathetic nervous system preganglionic neuron releases what neurotransmitter?

• Serotonin

• Acetylcholine

• Norepinephrine

• Arginine

Acetylecholine

In the sympathetic nervous system, ganglia are found? Select all that apply:

• Thoracic

• Brain stem

• Sacral

• Lumbar

Thoracic & Lumbar

In the parasympathetic nervous system, the ganglia are found. Select all that apply:

• Cervical

• Brain stem

• Lumbar

• Sacral

Brain Stem & Sacral

The postganglionic neuron releases what neurotransmitter in the parasympathetic nervous system?

• Arginine

• Norepinephrine

• Dopamine

• Acetylcholine

Acetylcholine

Select all the signs and symptoms a patient can experience with the stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system: Select all that apply:

• Tachycardia

• Hypotension

• Hyperglycemia

• Dilated pupils

• Urinary incontinence

• Bronchodilation

• Cold and clammy

• Excessive salivation

• Sweating

Tachycardia, Hyperglycemia, Dilated Pupils, Bronchodilation, Sweating

Select all the signs and symptoms a patient can experience when the stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system: Select all that apply:

• Bradycardia

• Dilated pupils

• Bronchoconstriction

• Constrict pupils

• Bladder contraction

• Dry mouth

• Slow digestion

• Hypertension

Bradycardia, Bronchoconstriction, Constrict Pupils, Bladder Contraction.

The _________ nervous system stimulates cranial nerve ______, which is responsible for slowing the heart rate, constricting the airway, and stimulating digestion.

• Parasympathetic, X

• Sympathetic, V

• Parasympathetic, III

• Sympathetic, VII

Parasympathetic; Vagus Nerve (X)

A patient is started on a norepinephrine drip. What side effects can this medication cause? Select all that apply:

• Tachycardia

• Hypoglycemia

• Hypertension

• Bronchoconstriction

Tachycardia & Hypertension

Rationale: This medication (also called Levophed) mimics the sympathetic nervous system (hence it is an adrenergic agonist also called sympathomimetic). It will increase the heart rate and blood pressure.

A patient with myasthenia gravis is started on Pyridostigmine. What assessment finding demonstrates the drug is working correctly?

• The patient experiences dilation of the pupils.

• The patient experiences a relaxed bladder.

• The patient experiences bronchodilation.

• The patient experiences normal muscle function in the face and eyes.

The patient experiences normal muscle function in the face and eyes.

Rationale: Pyridostigmine is a cholingeric drug used to treat myasthenia gravis. Remember patients with this condition have trouble with control of muscles in the face/eyes etc. This drug will increase the availability of acetylcholine to help those receptors contract those smooth muscles and maintain normal muscle function in the face and eyes.

Select the drugs below that are considered anticholinergic drugs (also called parasympatholytic):

• Pyridostigmine

• Atropine

• Ipratropium

• Propranolol

Atropine & Ipratropium

Rationale: They are anticholinergic drugs.

What are some side effects of adrenergic antagonist drugs (sympatholytic): select all that apply

• Tachycardia

• Bradycardia

• Bronchoconstriction

• Bronchodilation

Bradycardia & Bronchoconstriction

Select the drugs below that are considered sympathomimetic drugs:

• Albuterol

• Dopamine

• Epinephrine

• Propranolol

Albuterol, Dompaine, Epinephrine

Rationale: All these drugs can mimic the sympathetic nervous system.