ATI RN
Central Nervous System Stimulants and Related Drugs NCLEX Style Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which of the following drugs was most likely prescribed for the 12-year-old girl with refractory absence seizures?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this case, the neurologist decided to add a second-generation antiepileptic drug that blocks voltage-gated Na+ and Ca2+ channels and may inhibit the synaptic release of glutamate. Among the choices, Lamotrigine fits this description as it is known to block voltage-gated sodium channels, making it the most likely drug prescribed for the patient.
Question 2 of 9
The arthritis therapy least likely to cause gastric ulceration is
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Acetaminophen is not an NSAID and does not cause gastric ulceration.
Question 3 of 9
Buspirone is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Buspirone (choice D), a 5-HT1A partial agonist, treats anxiety without sedation (choice A), isn't for insomnia (choice B), and has a slow onset (choice C incorrect), taking weeks. Its anxiolytic action offers a non-addictive alternative to benzodiazepines.
Question 4 of 9
Which of the recently introduced antiepileptics is useful in absence seizure?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Newer antiepileptic drugs like ethosuximide and valproate are effective in treating absence seizures which are generalized brief and involve loss of consciousness.
Question 5 of 9
A 42-year-old man is diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. He has tried diet and exercise without success. A second-generation sulfonylurea agent is prescribed. Which of the following is the most likely side effect he will experience?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Second-generation sulfonylureas (e.g., glimepiride, choice A) cause hypoglycemia by stimulating insulin release, a common side effect. Lactic acidosis (choice B) is Metformin-related, myositis (choice C) and pruritus (choice D) aren't typical. Hypoglycemia requires monitoring.
Question 6 of 9
A 72-year-old man is brought to his physician by his son. The son complains that this patient has been becoming forgetful, confused, moody, and aggressive over the past few months. One drug that may be used to treat this patient's symptoms is donepezil. Which of the following describes an effect of donepezil?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Donepezil, a cholinesterase inhibitor, increases synaptic acetylcholine levels by preventing its breakdown, improving cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease.
Question 7 of 9
In the treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia in which there is excess production of cortisol precursor, the purpose of administration of synthetic glucocorticoid is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In CAH (choice D), synthetic glucocorticoids suppress ACTH, reducing adrenal precursor excess (e.g., 17-hydroxyprogesterone). Aldosterone (choice A), renal (choice B), and immune (choice C) effects aren't primary goals. ACTH suppression corrects the defect.
Question 8 of 9
An action common to most general anesthetics
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Many general anesthetics inhibit glutamate (excitatory neurotransmitter) to produce sedation and anesthesia.
Question 9 of 9
Which of the following opioid analgesics has very low protein binding?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Morphine has very low protein binding compared to other opioids allowing it to have more free drug available in circulation.