ATI RN
Pharmacology CNS Drugs Quizlet Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 21-year-old male college student complains of difficulty falling asleep at night. He asks if there is anything “mild†he can take to help him get to sleep. Which of the following hypnotics mimics an endogenous hormone?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is D) Ramelteon. Ramelteon is the only option that mimics an endogenous hormone, specifically melatonin, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Ramelteon acts on melatonin receptors in the brain to help regulate sleep patterns without causing the same risks of dependency or tolerance seen with traditional hypnotics. A) Diazepam and B) Lorazepam are benzodiazepines that act on GABA receptors to induce sedation and are not hormones. These drugs are not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of dependence and potential for cognitive impairment. C) Phenobarbital is a barbiturate with sedative properties but does not mimic an endogenous hormone like melatonin. Barbiturates are associated with a high risk of overdose and are not commonly used for sleep induction due to their safety profile. Educationally, understanding the mechanisms of action of different hypnotic drugs is crucial for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions when treating sleep disorders. Knowing the advantages of melatonin receptor agonists like ramelteon over traditional sedatives can help in selecting the most appropriate treatment for patients with insomnia.
Question 2 of 5
A 56-year-old man who is hospitalized for viral encephalitis develops pill-rolling tremors of the hands and cogwheel rigidity. He is thought to have parkinsonian symptoms that developed because of an underlying secondary cause. Which of the following is the most likely etiology of this condition?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) Viral encephalitis. The patient in question developed parkinsonian symptoms as a result of the viral encephalitis he is hospitalized for. Viral encephalitis can lead to damage in the basal ganglia and substantia nigra, resulting in motor symptoms resembling Parkinson's disease. This is known as post-encephalitic parkinsonism. Option A) Carotid arterial atherosclerosis is not a likely cause of parkinsonian symptoms. Atherosclerosis primarily affects blood flow to the brain and is not associated with the development of parkinsonism. Option B) Large brain aneurysm would typically present with symptoms related to increased intracranial pressure or focal neurological deficits, not parkinsonian symptoms. Option D) Use of cocaine can lead to acute movement disorders like tremors and dyskinesias, but in this scenario, the patient's symptoms are more likely related to the viral encephalitis he is hospitalized for. Understanding the link between viral encephalitis and parkinsonian symptoms is crucial for healthcare providers to properly diagnose and manage patients presenting with such manifestations. It highlights the importance of considering secondary causes of parkinsonism in clinical practice, especially in the setting of encephalitis or other neurological conditions.
Question 3 of 5
A 15-year-old boy presents to clinic for follow-up for his tonic-clonic seizures. He reports that he has not had a seizure in the past 6 months. However, he has been more tired recently and is unsure why. A complete blood count is performed and shows megaloblastic anemia. The physician told the patient that this was most likely a side effect of his antiseizure medication. What is the most likely medication he was taking?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) Phenytoin. Phenytoin is an antiseizure medication known to cause megaloblastic anemia as a side effect. This condition is characterized by larger-than-normal red blood cells, leading to fatigue and weakness. Phenytoin is a commonly used antiepileptic drug that can interfere with folic acid metabolism, resulting in megaloblastic anemia. Option A) Carbamazepine is not typically associated with megaloblastic anemia. It is more commonly linked to hyponatremia and liver enzyme abnormalities. Option B) Ethosuximide is primarily used for absence seizures and is not known to cause megaloblastic anemia. Option C) Phenobarbital is not commonly associated with megaloblastic anemia. It is known to cause sedation and can lead to physical dependence with prolonged use. Educational Context: Understanding the side effects of antiseizure medications is crucial for healthcare professionals managing patients with epilepsy. Recognizing the adverse effects of these drugs allows for early intervention and management to prevent complications. This case highlights the importance of monitoring patients on antiepileptic medications for potential side effects like megaloblastic anemia associated with phenytoin use.
Question 4 of 5
An 18-year-old woman presents to clinic because of difficulty with school. She recently started college and is living on her own for the first time. She is constantly preoccupied with wondering if the door is locked. She checks the lock at least 20 times before she is able to leave her apartment. This often makes her late for class. She had been on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in the past, but they are ineffective. What is the most appropriate treatment for this patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Question 5 of 5
A 48-year-old woman with refractory seizure disorder has failed every antiseizure medication on her local pharmacy formulary. She is considered to be truly refractory to medical therapy and undergoes vagal nerve stimulation. The most plausible mechanism of action of this therapy is which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.