NREMT Paramedic Practice

What term describes drugs that mimic the actions of the parasympathetic nervous system?

1. Sympatholytic

2. Parasympathomimetic

3. Cholinergic

4. Adrenergic

The correct answer is: Parasympathomimetic

The term that describes drugs which mimic the actions of the parasympathetic nervous system is "parasympathomimetic." These agents act in a way that replicates the effects of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter associated with the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to activities such as decreased heart rate, increased gastrointestinal motility, and enhanced secretions in various organs. Drugs classified as parasympathomimetic are used therapeutically in various clinical situations, for instance, to treat conditions like glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, and to promote gastrointestinal motility after surgeries. Their action is fundamental to the restoration and maintenance of homeostasis within the body, promoting a "rest-and-digest" response. Other terms, such as "sympatholytic," refer to agents that inhibit the sympathetic nervous system's actions, while "cholinergic" broadly refers to substances that stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system through acetylcholine pathways. "Adrenergic" describes drugs that stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, which is the opposite of parasympathomimetic actions. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in pharmacology and emergency response situations.