NURS 3100 Exam 1 Practice

The nurse reads that a newly discovered drug is a functional antagonist for some commonly administered medications. Which actions could this new drug have? (Select all that apply)

1. Blocks alpha receptors

2. Enhances drug excretion

3. Blocks beta receptors

4. Speeds drug metabolism

The correct answer is: Blocks alpha receptors

A functional antagonist produces its effects by binding to the receptor but does not activate the receptor. Instead, it prevents the agonist (the drug activating the receptor normally) from binding to the receptor and producing its effects. In this case, the newly discovered drug as a functional antagonist could block alpha receptors. This action would essentially prevent the commonly administered medications (agonists) from binding to and activating the alpha receptors, thereby inhibiting their usual physiological responses. Options B, C, and D are incorrect. Enhancing drug excretion, blocking beta receptors, and speeding drug metabolism are actions that are not typically associated with functional antagonists. Instead, enhancing drug excretion usually involves actions of diuretics or drugs that increase kidney function, blocking beta receptors is typically seen with beta-blockers, and speeding drug metabolism relates to enzyme-inducing drugs.