Which of the following hypnotic drugs is short-acting?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Zolpidem because it is a short-acting hypnotic drug commonly used to treat insomnia due to its rapid onset of action and shorter duration of effect compared to the other options. Zolpidem belongs to the class of medications known as non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, specifically targeting the GABA receptors to induce sleep. Phenobarbital (option B) is a long-acting barbiturate that is not commonly used as a hypnotic due to its potential for respiratory depression and overdose. Flurazepam (option C) is an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine used for insomnia, but it has a longer duration of action compared to zolpidem. Diazepam (option D) is a long-acting benzodiazepine primarily used for anxiety and seizures, not specifically for insomnia. In an educational context, understanding the duration of action and onset of different hypnotic drugs is crucial for nursing pharmacology practice. Nurses need to be knowledgeable about the various medications used to treat sleep disorders to ensure safe and effective patient care. Knowing the differences between short-acting and long-acting hypnotics helps nurses make informed decisions when administering these medications and educating patients about their use.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Clonazepam. Clonazepam is the drug commonly used to treat myoclonic seizures due to its effectiveness in managing this specific type of seizure activity. Myoclonic seizures are characterized by sudden, brief muscle jerks or twitches, and Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine that helps control these rapid, involuntary movements. Option A) Primidone is primarily used for treating generalized tonic-clonic and focal seizures, not specifically myoclonic seizures. Option B) Carbamazepine is more commonly used to treat focal seizures and trigeminal neuralgia. Option D) Phenytoin is often used for generalized tonic-clonic and focal seizures, but not typically for myoclonic seizures. In an educational context, understanding the correct medication for specific types of seizures is crucial for nursing pharmacology. Nurses must be able to differentiate between various anti-seizure medications to provide safe and effective care to patients with epilepsy or other seizure disorders. Understanding the mechanism of action and specific indications for each medication is essential to ensure proper treatment and management of seizures.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Diazepam. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine that binds to an allosteric regulatory site on the GABA-BZ receptor, which enhances the inhibitory effect of GABA. This binding leads to the increased frequency of Cl- channel openings, resulting in hyperpolarization of the neuron and ultimately reducing neuronal excitability, making it effective in managing seizures. Option B) Valproate works by enhancing GABA levels in the brain and blocking voltage-gated sodium channels. While it is effective for various types of seizures, it does not directly bind to the GABA-BZ receptor as Diazepam does. Option C) Phenobarbital acts by enhancing the effect of GABA at the GABA-A receptor rather than the GABA-BZ receptor, leading to the same effect of hyperpolarization and reduced neuronal excitability. Option D) Topiramate works by multiple mechanisms, including enhancing GABAergic transmission and inhibiting excitatory glutamatergic transmission. However, it does not specifically bind to the GABA-BZ receptor like Diazepam does. Understanding the mechanisms of action of antiseizure medications is crucial for nursing pharmacology practice. Knowing how each drug interacts with neuronal receptors and channels helps nurses make informed decisions when administering medications to patients with epilepsy. Diazepam's specific action on the GABA-BZ receptor highlights its role in enhancing GABA-mediated inhibition and its effectiveness in managing seizures.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of treating uncomplicated absence seizures, the preference for ethosuximide over valproate is primarily due to valproate's idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity. Ethosuximide is considered safer and better tolerated in this specific type of seizure disorder. Valproate, while effective in treating various seizure types, carries a risk of hepatotoxicity that is particularly concerning in patients with absence seizures. This idiosyncratic reaction can lead to severe liver damage and even failure, making it a less favorable option when compared to ethosuximide for this specific population. The other options provided in the question are incorrect. Option A, stating that ethosuximide is more effective, is not the primary reason for choosing it over valproate in uncomplicated absence seizures. While both medications can be effective, the safety profile of ethosuximide in this context makes it the preferred choice. Option C, citing greater CNS depressant activity, is also not a deciding factor in this specific medication selection. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind medication choices for specific seizure types is crucial for nursing pharmacology practice. By grasping the nuances of each medication's efficacy and safety profile, nurses can optimize patient care and minimize potential risks associated with treatment. This knowledge empowers nurses to make informed decisions that prioritize patient safety and well-being.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary goal of Parkinsonian treatment is to restore dopaminergic activity, typically using levodopa (a dopamine precursor) or dopamine agonists, to compensate for dopamine loss. While antimuscarinics and glutamate modulators may be used adjunctively, restoring dopaminergic activity is the cornerstone, making 'B' the correct choice.