A client diagnosed with narcolepsy is prescribed ephedrine, and asks the nurse how this medication will improve the problem. The nurse's response will be based on which physiologic concept?
1. Ephedrine will prevent any attacks of epilepsy.
2. Ephedrine can be easily destroyed by the enzymes in the synaptic cleft.
3. Ephedrine can easily cross the blood–brain barrier.
4. Ephedrine cannot be easily absorbed through the intestinal tract.
Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Ephedrine is not used for epilepsy.
Rationale 2: Ephedrine is a noncatecholamine; hence, it is not easily destroyed by the enzymes.
Rationale 3: Ephedrine is a noncatecholamine. Noncatecholamines are less polar than are catecholamines; hence, they are able to cross the blood–brain barrier, cause stimulation of the brain cells, and keep the client awake and alert.
Rationale 4: Ephedrine can be taken orally and is easily absorbed through the intestinal tract because it is not easily destroyed by MAO or COMT.
Global Rationale: Ephedrine is a noncatecholamine. Noncatecholamines are less polar than are catecholamines; hence, they are able to cross the blood–brain barrier, cause stimulation of the brain cells, and keep the client awake and alert. Ephedrine is not used for epilepsy and it is not easily destroyed by enzymes. Ephedrine can be taken orally and is easily absorbed through the intestinal tract because it is not easily destroyed by MAO or COMT.
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