FREE CMSRN Anesthetist Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following catecholamines DOES NOT occur naturally?

Accepted Answer

Isoproterenol

Answer

Dopamine, Epinephrine, and Norepinephrine are naturally occurring catecholamines produced by the body. Isoproterenol is a synthetic catecholamine that acts as a beta-adrenergic agonist, primarily used as a bronchodilator and cardiac stimulant. Dobutamine is also a synthetic catecholamine, primarily a beta-1 agonist.

Question 2

Except for the following, all of the following list phosphodiasterase inhibitors:

Accepted Answer

Vasoconstrictor

Answer

Phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDEIs) like milrinone are known for their positive inotropic effects (increasing cardiac contractility) and their ability to cause vasodilation, which decreases systemic vascular resistance (SVR). They achieve this by preventing the breakdown of cyclic AMP (cAMP), leading to increased intracellular calcium in cardiac cells and smooth muscle relaxation in blood vessels. Therefore, 'Vasoconstrictor' is the characteristic that does NOT describe the action of phosphodiesterase inhibitors.

Question 3

Which vasopressor is recommended in obstetric situations?

Accepted Answer

Ephedrine

Answer

Ephedrine is often the preferred vasopressor in obstetric situations, particularly for treating hypotension during spinal or epidural anesthesia. It has both alpha and beta-adrenergic effects, causing vasoconstriction and increased heart rate. Importantly, ephedrine is less likely to cause uterine vasoconstriction and fetal acidosis compared to pure alpha-agonists like phenylephrine, making it a safer choice for the mother and fetus.

Question 4

Pheochromocytoma can be treated with either of the following medications:
Phenoxybenzamine ______
Phentolamine _______

Accepted Answer

Strong Alpha blocker and Competitive alpha-1 antagonist

Answer

Phenoxybenzamine is a non-competitive, irreversible alpha-adrenergic blocker, making it a 'strong alpha blocker' that provides sustained blockade. Phentolamine is a competitive alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist, meaning it is a 'competitive alpha-1 antagonist.' Both are used in managing pheochromocytoma to control hypertension caused by excessive catecholamine release.

Question 5

Of the following, which one is not a side effect of atropine, a cholinoreceptor blocker?

Accepted Answer

Urinary retention

Answer

Atropine is a muscarinic cholinoreceptor blocker, and its anticholinergic effects include mydriasis (pupil dilation), increased pulse (tachycardia), and constipation (due to decreased gastrointestinal motility). Urinary retention is also a well-known anticholinergic side effect, resulting from the relaxation of the detrusor muscle and contraction of the internal urethral sphincter. Therefore, based on established pharmacological knowledge, urinary retention *does* occur as a side effect of atropine.

CMSRN - Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice Test

CMSRN - Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice Test

FREE CMSRN Anesthetist Questions and Answers