05-08-2008, 01:56 PM
A 16-year-old boy presents to the emergency room after suffering a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. He is
presently restless and irritable, and complains of nausea and headache. A careful history reveals that he had
been experimenting with cocaine earlier that day. Physical examination is remarkable for a heart rate of 130 and
blood pressure of 150/95. Which of the following mechanisms is most likely responsible for the cocaine-induced
hypertension?
A. Blocking norepinephrine reuptake
B. Directly stimulating alpha-1 receptors
C. Directly stimulating beta-1 receptors
D. Directly stimulating beta-2 receptors
E. Inducing norepinephrine release
F. Metabolism to a false neurotransmitter
presently restless and irritable, and complains of nausea and headache. A careful history reveals that he had
been experimenting with cocaine earlier that day. Physical examination is remarkable for a heart rate of 130 and
blood pressure of 150/95. Which of the following mechanisms is most likely responsible for the cocaine-induced
hypertension?
A. Blocking norepinephrine reuptake
B. Directly stimulating alpha-1 receptors
C. Directly stimulating beta-1 receptors
D. Directly stimulating beta-2 receptors
E. Inducing norepinephrine release
F. Metabolism to a false neurotransmitter