Barbiturates are used in the emergency treatment of status epilepticus in infants and children because of:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Barbiturates are used in status epilepticus due to their ability to significantly decrease oxygen utilization by the brain, which helps protect against cerebral edema and ischemia. This is crucial in managing the acute phase of seizures in infants and children. Option B is incorrect because barbiturates have a short onset but prolonged duration of action, making them unsuitable for rapid management. Option C is incorrect as barbiturates can disrupt normal sleep architecture due to their sedative effects. Therefore, the correct choice is A for its specific neuroprotective properties in the context of status epilepticus.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Alcohol can cause CNS depression by slowing down brain function. It also leads to vasodilatation, widening blood vessels and lowering blood pressure. Additionally, alcohol can induce hypoglycemia by inhibiting glucose production in the liver. Therefore, all choices are correct, making option D the correct answer. Other choices are incorrect because they individually do not encompass all the effects of alcohol consumption.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Chlorpromazine. Chlorpromazine is a phenothiazine aliphatic derivative because it belongs to the phenothiazine class of antipsychotic drugs and has an aliphatic side chain. Thiothixene (A) is a thioxanthene derivative, not a phenothiazine. Risperidone (B) is an atypical antipsychotic, not a phenothiazine. Clozapine (D) is a dibenzodiazepine derivative, not a phenothiazine. Therefore, Chlorpromazine is the only option that fits the criteria of being a phenothiazine aliphatic derivative.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Protriptyline. This tricyclic agent has the least sedative effect due to its higher potency and faster metabolism compared to other options. Protriptyline has minimal sedative properties, making it a preferred choice for patients who cannot tolerate sedation. Trazodone (B), Amitriptyline (C), and Mirtazapine (D) are known to cause sedation due to their antihistaminic and alpha-adrenergic blocking effects.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why answer B (Benzodiazepines) is correct: 1. Benzodiazepines are commonly used in the treatment of anxiety disorders due to their anxiolytic effects. 2. They work by enhancing the activity of GABA neurotransmitter, leading to calming and sedative effects. 3. Barbiturates (choice A) are less commonly used now due to high risk of dependence and overdose. 4. Lithium salts (choice C) are primarily used for bipolar disorder, not anxiety. 5. Phenothiazines (choice D) are more commonly used for psychotic disorders, not anxiety. Summary: Benzodiazepines are preferred for anxiety treatment due to their effectiveness and safety profile compared to other options like barbiturates, lithium salts, and phenothiazines.