ATI RN
Pharmacology CNS Drugs Quiz Questions
Question 1 of 5
L-Dopa can be used to treat which of the following:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: L-Dopa is a precursor to dopamine and is commonly used in the treatment of Parkinsonism, making option A the correct choice. Parkinsonism is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a deficiency of dopamine in the brain. L-Dopa crosses the blood-brain barrier and is converted to dopamine, helping to alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Options B and C, angina and hypertension, are incorrect because L-Dopa does not have any significant effects on these conditions. Angina is typically treated with medications that improve blood flow to the heart, while hypertension is managed with medications that lower blood pressure through various mechanisms such as diuretics, beta-blockers, or ACE inhibitors. In an educational context, it is important for students to understand the specific mechanisms of action and indications for each drug to ensure safe and effective use in clinical practice. Understanding the rationale behind each drug's use helps students make informed decisions when treating patients and reinforces the importance of evidence-based practice in pharmacology.
Question 2 of 5
Which one of the following drugs can cause hypotension because it can block alpha-adrenergic receptors on vascular smooth muscle cells?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Phenothiazines (choice D), like chlorpromazine, block alpha-adrenergic receptors, causing vasodilation and hypotension. Clozapine (choice A) causes less alpha blockade, Diazepam (choice B) doesn't, and H1 blockers (choice C) cause sedation, not hypotension. This side effect is notable in phenothiazines.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following antipsychotic medications has the greatest potential for extrapyramidal side effects?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this case, the correct answer is A) Haloperidol. Haloperidol belongs to the typical antipsychotic medications group, which have a high affinity for dopamine receptors in the brain. This high affinity for dopamine receptors is what leads to a higher potential for extrapyramidal side effects, such as dystonia, akathisia, parkinsonism, and tardive dyskinesia. Clozapine, Olanzapine, and Risperidone, on the other hand, are atypical antipsychotic medications. These medications have a lower affinity for dopamine receptors compared to typical antipsychotics like Haloperidol. Atypical antipsychotics are associated with a lower risk of extrapyramidal side effects and are often preferred in clinical practice due to their more favorable side effect profile. From an educational perspective, understanding the differences between typical and atypical antipsychotic medications, their mechanisms of action, and associated side effects is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially those working with patients with psychiatric conditions. This knowledge allows for informed decision-making when selecting the most appropriate treatment options based on the individual patient's needs and potential side effect risks.
Question 4 of 5
A 72-year old woman with a long history of anxiety that has been treated with diazepam decides to triple her daily dose. Two days after her attempts at self-prescribing, she is found extremely lethargic and non-responsive. Respiration is 8/min and shallow. Which of the following drugs should we give to reverse these signs and symptoms?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Flumazenil (choice B) reverses benzodiazepine (diazepam) overdose, countering lethargy and respiratory depression by antagonizing GABAa receptors. Amphetamine (choice A) stimulates, Naltrexone (choice C) blocks opioids, and Physostigmine (choice D) treats anticholinergic toxicity. Flumazenil is specific.
Question 5 of 5
You are on your way to take an examination and you suddenly get an attack of diarrhea. If you stop at a nearby drugstore for an over-the-counter opioid with antidiarrheal action, you will be asking for:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Loperamide. Loperamide is an opioid receptor agonist that acts locally in the gut to decrease motility and increase the tone of the intestinal wall, thereby reducing diarrhea. It does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier, so it has minimal central nervous system effects compared to systemic opioids like codeine (option A) and nalbuphine (option D). Codeine (option A) is a systemic opioid that can cause central nervous system side effects such as sedation and respiratory depression. Dextromethorphan (option B) is a cough suppressant that does not have significant antidiarrheal properties. Nalbuphine (option D) is a mixed opioid agonist-antagonist and is not commonly used for the treatment of diarrhea. In an educational context, understanding the mechanisms of action of different opioids is crucial for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions when selecting appropriate medications for specific conditions. It is important to differentiate between opioids with central effects and those that act primarily in the gastrointestinal tract to effectively manage symptoms like diarrhea. This knowledge ensures safe and effective pharmacological interventions in clinical practice.