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Central Nervous System Stimulants and Related Drugs NCLEX Questions Quizlet Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient is beginning to take cyclobenzaprine for treatment of acute back spasms. Which interventions will the nurse include in the care of this patient? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Inform the patient not to abruptly stop taking the muscle relaxant. Abruptly stopping cyclobenzaprine can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Gradual tapering is necessary to prevent adverse effects. Choice A is incorrect as cyclobenzaprine can be taken with or without food. Choice C is incorrect as alcohol should be avoided while taking muscle relaxants. Choice D is irrelevant to the question and not related to the care of a patient taking cyclobenzaprine.
Question 2 of 5
A 46-year-old woman complained of daytime sleepiness after starting an antihistamine for allergic rhinitis. The physician explained that drowsiness was most likely due to inhibition of the action of histaminergic neurons in the brain. Which of the following brain regions was most likely involved in the adverse effect of this drug?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Nucleus basalis of Meynert. The Nucleus basalis of Meynert is a structure in the basal forebrain that contains cholinergic neurons. These neurons play a crucial role in promoting wakefulness and attention by releasing acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter for arousal. Antihistamines, by inhibiting histamine action in the brain, can indirectly affect the cholinergic activity in the Nucleus basalis of Meynert, leading to drowsiness and daytime sleepiness. Now, let's discuss why the other options are incorrect: A) Nucleus tractus solitarius: This nucleus is involved in autonomic functions, such as regulating cardiovascular and respiratory responses, and is not directly related to the sedative effects of antihistamines. B) Caudatum: A part of the basal ganglia involved in motor control and procedural learning, not associated with the sedative effects seen in this case. C) Hippocampus: Primarily responsible for memory formation and spatial navigation, not directly related to the drowsiness caused by antihistamines. Educational Context: Understanding the neuropharmacology of central nervous system stimulants and related drugs is crucial for healthcare professionals to anticipate and manage potential side effects in patients. Knowing how different brain regions and neurotransmitters are affected by medications helps in explaining and addressing adverse reactions effectively. This knowledge is especially important for nurses, pharmacists, and physicians who prescribe, administer, or counsel patients on these medications.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following pairs of neurotransmitters are thought to be most involved in seizure disorders?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps regulate neuronal excitability, while glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter that promotes neuronal activity. Imbalance between these two neurotransmitters can lead to seizure disorders. Therefore, the pair of neurotransmitters most involved in seizure disorders is GABA and glutamate.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following adverse effects were most likely to occur during the first days of therapy with sertraline and diazepam?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Excessive sedation and drowsiness are common adverse effects of benzodiazepines like diazepam, especially when combined with other CNS depressants like sertraline. This can lead to impaired cognitive and motor function, making activities like driving dangerous. It is important for healthcare providers to monitor patients closely for these side effects to ensure their safety.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following molecular actions most likely mediated the therapeutic effect of ramelteon in the 63-year-old woman with difficulty falling asleep?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Ramelteon is a melatonin receptor agonist, which means it binds to and activates melatonin receptors in the brain. By mimicking the effects of melatonin, a hormone involved in regulating the sleep-wake cycle, ramelteon can help improve sleep onset and maintenance. This mechanism of action makes it an effective treatment for insomnia characterized by difficulty falling asleep.