American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

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Prepare for the AACN Certification Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

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Conivaptan works by antagonizing which receptor?

Alpha-adrenergic
Vasopressin receptors
Beta-adrenergic
Dopamine receptors

The correct answer is: Vasopressin receptors

Conivaptan is a medication that functions as an antagonist specifically at vasopressin receptors, which are involved in the regulation of water balance in the body. By blocking these receptors, conivaptan inhibits the action of vasopressin (also known as antidiuretic hormone), leading to increased excretion of free water and a reduction in the symptoms associated with conditions like hyponatremia. This mechanism is particularly important in clinical situations where fluid overload or inappropriate vasopressin secretion (such as in syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, or SIADH) occurs. Understanding this mechanism is vital for recognizing how conivaptan impacts fluid balance and sodium levels in patients, distinguishing it from other receptor antagonists such as those for alpha-adrenergic, beta-adrenergic, or dopamine receptors, which serve different physiological roles.