Pharmacology and the Nursing Process by Linda Lane Lilley: Practice Exam 2025 - Free Pharmacology Practice Questions and Study Guide

Question: 1 / 400

How do centrally acting adrenergic drugs reduce blood pressure?

By increasing heart rate

By dilating peripheral arteries

By stimulating alpha2-adrenergic receptors in the brain

Centrally acting adrenergic drugs work by stimulating alpha2-adrenergic receptors in the brain. This leads to a decrease in sympathetic nerve activity, which in turn reduces heart rate and systemic vascular resistance. Option A and B are incorrect because they describe the actions of sympathomimetic drugs, which work by mimicking the effects of the sympathetic nervous system. Option D is incorrect because calcium channel blockers work by inhibiting the movement of calcium ions into cells, which leads to relaxation of smooth muscle and therefore a decrease in blood pressure. However, they do not target the specific receptors that are affected by centrally acting adrenergic drugs.

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By blocking calcium channels

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