ATI RN
Central Nervous System Stimulants and Related Drugs NCLEX Style Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 33-year-old woman who takes diazepam for anxiety disorder is currently enrolled in an online master's degree program in accounting. She states that she has attended all classes and studied for a final examination. She has never had this type of problem before. However, when she took the examination, she remembered nothing that she studied. What is the most likely explanation for this finding?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Diazepam, a benzodiazepine, can cause anterograde amnesia, impairing the ability to form new memories while on the medication.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following drugs would be most appropriate for this patient to substitute for valproic acid therapy?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Carbamazepine is a common alternative to valproic acid for seizure management, especially in women of childbearing age who want to start a family.
Question 3 of 5
A 44-year-old man with schizophrenia is being treated with a low-potency typical antipsychotic. He complains that his medication's side effects are more than he can handle and wants to try another medication. If he was to switch from a low-potency to a high-potency antipsychotic drug, which of the following side effects would likely diminish?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: High-potency antipsychotics have fewer anticholinergic side effects (e.g., dry mouth, constipation) compared to low-potency antipsychotics, but they are more likely to cause extrapyramidal symptoms like parkinsonism.
Question 4 of 5
Local anesthetics block nerve conduction by
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Local anesthetics prevent depolarization by blocking sodium channels leading to nerve impulse inhibition.
Question 5 of 5
Benzodiazepines produce their actions on CNS by:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam) are CNS depressants used for anxiety, seizures, and insomnia. They exert effects by binding to a specific allosteric site on the GABAa receptor, enhancing GABA's inhibitory action. GABA, the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, opens chloride (Clâ») channels, hyperpolarizing neurons and reducing excitability. Benzodiazepines increase the frequency of channel opening, potentiating this effect, leading to sedation and anxiolysis. Blocking Clâ» channels (choice A) would oppose inhibition, contrary to their purpose. Acting as direct agonists (choice C) is incorrect—they don't activate the receptor alone but amplify GABA's action. Antagonizing GABAb receptors (choice D) is irrelevant, as benzodiazepines target GABAa specifically. This potentiation mechanism underlies their therapeutic utility and risks like tolerance. Understanding this is key to distinguishing benzodiazepines from other CNS drugs and managing their clinical use effectively.