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Autonomic Nervous System Pharmacology Flashcards

7 cards from real Pharmacology practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. Succinylcholine produces initial muscle fasciculations followed by paralysis. This is because it is a:

    Answer: Depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent

    Succinylcholine depolarizes the motor end plate continuously, causing initial fasciculations then flaccid paralysis as the membrane cannot repolarize.

  2. Vecuronium reverses neuromuscular blockade is achieved with neostigmine. What must be co-administered to prevent bradycardia?

    Answer: Atropine or glycopyrrolate

    Neostigmine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, increasing acetylcholine at all cholinergic synapses including the heart; atropine or glycopyrrolate is co-administered to block muscarinic bradycardia.

  3. Phenylephrine is used as a nasal decongestant. Its mechanism is:

    Answer: Selective alpha-1 agonist causing vasoconstriction

    Phenylephrine selectively activates alpha-1 receptors on nasal blood vessels, causing vasoconstriction and reduced mucosal edema.

  4. Which cholinergic drug is used to diagnose myasthenia gravis by briefly improving muscle strength?

    Answer: Edrophonium

    Edrophonium is an ultra-short-acting acetylcholinesterase inhibitor; transient improvement in muscle strength after injection confirms myasthenia gravis.

  5. Dopamine at low doses (1–3 mcg/kg/min) causes renal vasodilation primarily via:

    Answer: Dopamine D1 receptor stimulation

    At low doses, dopamine activates D1 receptors on renal vasculature, causing vasodilation and increased renal blood flow.

  6. Which drug selectively blocks alpha-1A receptors in the prostate, reducing urinary obstruction in BPH with minimal blood pressure effect?

    Answer: Tamsulosin

    Tamsulosin selectively targets alpha-1A receptors in the prostate smooth muscle, relaxing the bladder neck with less vascular effect than non-selective alpha-blockers.

  7. A patient with asthma and heart failure needs a beta-blocker. Which is most appropriate to minimize bronchospasm?

    Answer: Metoprolol

    Metoprolol is a cardioselective beta-1 blocker that has less effect on beta-2 receptors in the bronchi, making it safer in asthma than non-selective agents.