A 42-year-old man presents with generalized tonic-clonic convulsions on day 2 of his hospitalization for the management of acute pancreatitis. Prior to the convulsive event, the patient felt anxious, tremulous, and agitated. Medical history is significant for alcohol-use disorder, with multiple hospitalizations for alcohol intoxication and acute pancreatitis. On physical examination, the patient is diaphoretic and convulsing. There is no evidence of stigmata of liver disease. The patient does not appear malnourished. Appropriate laboratory tests are obtained. Which of the following is the best initial treatment?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Seizures on day 2 of hospitalization in an alcohol-use disorder patient suggest alcohol withdrawal. Chlordiazepoxide (a benzodiazepine) is the initial treatment to manage withdrawal and prevent further seizures.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The central nervous system (CNS) consists solely of the brain and spinal cord, which process and coordinate information.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The sodium-potassium pump maintains the resting potential (-70 mV) by pumping 3 Na⁺ out and 2 K⁺ in, creating ion gradients across the membrane.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Valium (a benzodiazepine) enhances GABA’s inhibitory effects by increasing chloride influx, reducing anxiety, not depression directly (likely a text error; it’s typically for anxiety).

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The enteric nervous system governs the digestive tract, gallbladder, and pancreas, regulating gastrointestinal function.