Benzodiazepines produce their actions on CNS by:

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Central Nervous System Stimulants and Related Drugs NCLEX Style Questions Questions

Question 1 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 (Cl⁻) channels, hyperpolarizing neurons and reducing excitability. Benzodiazepines increase the frequency of channel opening, potentiating this effect, leading to sedation and anxiolysis. Blocking Cl⁻ 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.

Question 2 of 5

Trichloroethanol is the active metabolite of:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Chloral hydrate (choice D) is metabolized to trichloroethanol, which depresses the CNS, inducing sedation. Morphine (choice A) metabolizes to active compounds like morphine-6-glucuronide, not trichloroethanol. Clorazepate (choice B) becomes desmethyldiazepam, a benzodiazepine. Phenobarbitone (choice C) is a barbiturate, not metabolized to trichloroethanol. This identifies Chloral hydrate's metabolic pathway, key for its hypnotic use.

Question 3 of 5

The following receptors are affected by antipsychotic drugs EXCEPT:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol) block central D2 (choice A) and 5-HT2 receptors (choice B) for efficacy, and muscarinic receptors (choice D) peripherally, causing side effects. Peripheral H2 receptors (choice C), involved in gastric acid secretion, aren't significantly affected; H1 antagonism occurs instead. This exception clarifies antipsychotic receptor profiles.

Question 4 of 5

Buspirone is:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Question 5 of 5

Which of the following is useful in treatment of trigeminal neuralgia:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Carbamazepine (choice D), an anticonvulsant, treats trigeminal neuralgia by stabilizing sodium channels, reducing nerve firing. Phenylbutazone (choice A), an NSAID, and Morphine (choice B), an opioid, aren't first-line. Atropine (choice C), an anticholinergic, is irrelevant. Carbamazepine is the standard therapy.

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