The nurse is caring for a client receiving a norepinephrine infusion.
Which of the following statements accurately describes the pharmacological action of norepinephrine?
The nurse is caring for a client receiving a norepinephrine infusion.
Which of the following statements accurately describes the pharmacological action of norepinephrine?
A. Norepinephrine primarily acts as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, regulating mood and emotions.
[9%]
B. Norepinephrine is a hormone produced by the adrenal cortex primarily involved in regulating blood pressure and heart rate.
[54%]
C. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter released by postganglionic sympathetic neurons, exerting effects on target organs via adrenergic receptors.
[30%]
D. Norepinephrine is a hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary gland, responsible for regulating water balance and blood pressure.
[8%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Critical Care
Lesson
Critical Care Concepts
Client Need
Test Plan
Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Related Topic
Expected Actions/Outcomes
Item Type
Item Type
Knowledge/Comprehension
Explanation
Choice C is correct. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter of the catecholamine family. It is primarily released by postganglionic sympathetic neurons. Norepinephrine exerts its effects on target organs through adrenergic receptors. These effects include vasoconstriction, increased heart rate, and increased contractility. This physiological response is part of the sympathetic nervous system's "fight or flight" response, aiding the body's response to stress.
Choice A is incorrect. Norepinephrine is primarily a neurotransmitter in the peripheral nervous system, not the central nervous system. It plays a role in regulating mood and emotions, but this is not its primary function.
Choice B is incorrect. The adrenal medulla produces norepinephrine, not the adrenal cortex. The adrenal gland has two regions: the cortex and the medulla. While the adrenal cortex produces glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and sex steroids, the medulla, on the other hand, produces epinephrine and norepinephrine. The primary role of norepinephrine is neurotransmission in the sympathetic nervous system. This neurotransmitter acts on target organs through adrenergic receptors, exerting effects such as vasoconstriction and increasing heart rate and contractility.
Choice D is incorrect. Norepinephrine is not a hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary gland or responsible for regulating water balance and blood pressure.
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2 Key Topics
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18.5 Cardiovascular Medications
Additional Info
✓ Norepinephrine is a medication classified as a vasopressor and sympathomimetic agent. It acts primarily on alpha-adrenergic receptors to produce vasoconstriction, which increases blood pressure. Norepinephrine is commonly used in the management of hypotension and shock, particularly septic shock, to improve perfusion to vital organs and tissues.
✓ Nurses should continuously monitor the client's vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation, during norepinephrine infusion to assess the medication's effectiveness and detect any adverse reactions promptly. Many clients receiving norepinephrine may require arterial line placement for continuous blood pressure monitoring.
✓ Norepinephrine is one of the most commonly used vasopressor medications for the management of septic shock. Studies have shown that norepinephrine is effective in increasing mean arterial pressure and improving perfusion to vital organs in clients with septic shock
