Ace the Pharmacology Cholinergic Challenge 2025 – Power Up Your Prescription Skills!

Bethanechol is a cholinergic agent that primarily exerts its effects by stimulating the muscarinic receptors in the body, predominantly influencing the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts. It is particularly useful in conditions where there is a need to enhance bladder contraction and facilitate urination, which is why it is indicated for the stimulation of atonic bladder and neurogenic atony.

The term "atonic bladder" refers to a condition where the bladder fails to contract effectively, leading to urinary retention. Similarly, "neurogenic atony" involves bladder dysfunction due to nerve damage, which can result in an inability to initiate urination. In addition, "megacolon" is characterized by an enlarged colon due to the chronic constipation and loss of normal motility, conditions where increasing gastrointestinal motility can be beneficial. Therefore, bethanechol's ability to enhance motility and contraction of smooth muscle makes it suitable for these conditions.

The conditions listed in the other options do not align with the primary pharmacological effects of bethanechol. For example, asthma is typically managed with bronchodilators rather than cholinergics, while cardiac arrest requires medications that support cardiac function, not primarily cholinergic actions. Conditions like IBS and hypertension also do not