ATI RN
Drugs for Peripheral Nervous System Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following drugs was she most likely taking?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Valproic acid. This drug is commonly used to treat bipolar disorder, which is characterized by mood swings. Valproic acid helps stabilize mood and prevent manic episodes. Lamotrigine (A) is used for bipolar disorder but is less effective for acute mania. Clonazepam (C) is used for anxiety and seizures, not bipolar disorder. Gabapentin (D) is primarily used for nerve pain and seizures, not bipolar disorder. Therefore, based on the context of the question, Valproic acid is the most likely drug she was taking.
Question 2 of 5
A 54-year-old man had been receiving carbamazepine since he was diagnosed with complex partial seizures 5 years earlier. The drug was fully effective in controlling the seizures. Blockade of which of the following molecular targets most likely mediated the therapeutic effect of the drug in the patient's disease?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Na+ channels. Carbamazepine is an antiepileptic drug that works by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels, thus reducing neuronal excitability and preventing the generation of abnormal electrical discharges that lead to seizures. This mechanism of action is particularly effective in controlling partial seizures. A: Acetylcholine receptors - Carbamazepine does not directly interact with acetylcholine receptors. B: Glutamate receptors - Carbamazepine does not directly interact with glutamate receptors. C: Monoamine receptors - Carbamazepine does not directly interact with monoamine receptors. In summary, the therapeutic effect of carbamazepine in controlling seizures is mediated by its blockade of Na+ channels, which reduces neuronal excitability. Other choices are incorrect as carbamazepine does not target acetylcholine, glutamate, or monoamine receptors.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following drugs would be most appropriate for this patient to substitute for valproic acid therapy?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Carbamazepine. This is because carbamazepine is commonly used as an alternative to valproic acid due to its similar efficacy in treating certain types of seizures. Carbamazepine is also effective in treating bipolar disorder, which may be a reason for switching from valproic acid. Clonazepam (B) and phenytoin (C) are not appropriate substitutes for valproic acid as they have different mechanisms of action and are used for different types of seizures. Ethosuximide (D) is primarily used for absence seizures and would not be a suitable substitute for valproic acid in this case.
Question 4 of 5
Which antiepileptic drug would be most appropriate for the 54-year-old man with complex partial seizure, atrioventricular block, and nephrolithiasis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Carbamazepine. It is the most appropriate choice due to its efficacy in treating complex partial seizures. Carbamazepine is also less likely to worsen atrioventricular block compared to other antiepileptic drugs. Furthermore, it does not typically exacerbate nephrolithiasis. Phenytoin (B) can worsen atrioventricular block and does not specifically target complex partial seizures. Valproic acid (C) is contraindicated in patients with nephrolithiasis. Ethosuximide (D) is primarily used for absence seizures, not complex partial seizures.
Question 5 of 5
A 62-year-old man complained to his physician of facial grimacing, lip smacking, and rocking of the trunk that occurred 1 to 2 hours after taking his prescribed medication. The man, who suffered from Parkinson disease, had been receiving an antiparkinson drug for 3 years. Which of the following drugs most likely caused the adverse effects reported by the patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Levodopa. Levodopa is a common medication used to treat Parkinson's disease. The symptoms described by the patient, such as facial grimacing, lip smacking, and rocking of the trunk, are characteristic of levodopa-induced dyskinesias, which can occur as a side effect of long-term levodopa therapy. Levodopa-induced dyskinesias usually develop after 1-2 hours of taking the medication, as seen in this case. Choice A: Selegiline is a selective MAO-B inhibitor and is less likely to cause the described adverse effects compared to levodopa. Choice C: Entacapone is a catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor used in combination with levodopa, but it is not known to cause the specific dyskinesias described. Choice D: Amantadine is an antiviral agent with antiparkinsonian effects, but it is