ATI RN
Drugs for Peripheral Nervous System Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following drugs would be most appropriate for this patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Baclofen. Baclofen is a muscle relaxant commonly used to treat spasticity in conditions such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries. This drug would be appropriate for a patient experiencing muscle spasticity. Phenobarbital (A) is a barbiturate used for seizures, not muscle relaxation. Tubocurarine (C) and Succinylcholine (D) are neuromuscular blocking agents used for muscle paralysis during surgery, not for muscle spasticity. Therefore, Baclofen is the most appropriate choice for this patient.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following adverse effects is most likely to occur during the therapy?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Pancreatitis. During therapy, certain medications can cause pancreatitis due to their toxic effects on the pancreas. This can lead to inflammation of the pancreas, resulting in symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Pancreatitis is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Rationale: - A (Macrocytic anemia): This adverse effect is more commonly associated with deficiencies in vitamin B12 or folic acid, not typically caused by medications during therapy. - B (Hallucinations): Hallucinations are more likely to occur as a side effect of certain psychiatric medications or in cases of substance abuse, rather than during general therapy. - C (Liver cirrhosis): Liver cirrhosis is a long-term consequence of chronic liver damage, often due to alcohol abuse or viral hepatitis, not typically a direct adverse effect of therapy.
Question 3 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 4 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 5 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.