Help! Pharmacology roadblock

[mtngirl07]

Hello all,

I am nearing my first exam in Pharm and so far, most of it makes sense to me. For some reason I cannot wrap my head around cholinergic receptor subtypes. I get that cholinergic receptors mimic or block acetylcholine but I don't understand how there can be subtypes that do other things and still be in the same category.

Please help me get a grip with this!

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

Can you explain a little more about the subtypes you're having trouble understanding. You've got two different kinds of cholinergic receptor subtypes- nicotinic and muscarinic. When acetylcholine binds to these receptors, the cell's normal activity is either increased or decreased. Receptors can either block or enhance acetylcholine effects. Within those two categories of receptors, you have further subtypes that each play a part in physiologic responses such as fight or flight” reactions. I'm not sure what you mean by subtypes that do other things but can still be in the same category."

[mtngirl07]

That actually cleared it up for me. I was just overthinking it. That's just what happens when you try to study for 8 hours straight I guess.

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

Likely one of those topics that you'll learn in school but then never use in practice. Unless you decide to specialize in neuro research. Good luck on your exam.

[ireyes98]

You can endlessly study for pharmacology, there's a whole career on it. As a student nurse, you should be okay with what they are teaching you in class, the basics, you can iron out all of the small details as you go along. I made an app, it contains drug classes, drugs associated with the classes (generic and brand name), and all of the information school, clinicals, and the NCLEX required me to know such as MOA's, vitals, labs, common/severe side effects and nursing considerations to watch for. Check it out, its free, it's on the app stores or through our website nclexessentials.barcalabs.com. Good luck. I just passed my nclex this in August and this guide is all I studied to prep for pharm.