ATI RN
Central Nervous System Stimulants and Related Drugs NCLEX Questions Quizlet Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following muscle relaxants was most likely given to a patient who exhibited transient muscle fasciculations followed by generalized paralysis within 1 minute of administration?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Succinylcholine. Succinylcholine is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocker that acts quickly by initially causing muscle fasciculations before inducing paralysis. This rapid onset of action is due to its ability to bind to the acetylcholine receptor, leading to sustained depolarization of the motor endplate. Option A) Cisatracurium is a non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocker that does not cause fasciculations or rapid onset paralysis like succinylcholine. Option C) Dantrolene is a skeletal muscle relaxant used to treat malignant hyperthermia and spasticity but does not cause the described rapid onset of paralysis. Option D) Vecuronium is a non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocker that also does not exhibit the rapid onset of action seen with succinylcholine. Educationally, understanding the mechanisms of action of different muscle relaxants is crucial for healthcare providers, especially in anesthesia and critical care settings. Recognizing the unique characteristics of each drug can help in selecting the most appropriate agent for specific clinical scenarios, optimizing patient care, and avoiding adverse events.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following drugs would be most appropriate for this patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Baclofen is a muscle relaxant commonly used to treat muscle spasms, making it the most appropriate choice for a patient with muscle spasms. Phenobarbital is an antiseizure medication and would not be indicated for this patient. Tubocurarine and succinylcholine are neuromuscular blocking agents used during surgery, but baclofen would be more appropriate for muscle spasms outside of surgical settings. Chlorpromazine is an antipsychotic medication and would not be indicated for muscle spasms.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following drugs did the patient most likely take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Valproic acid. Valproic acid is a central nervous system stimulant commonly prescribed for seizure disorders such as epilepsy. It works by increasing the levels of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which helps to reduce seizure activity. Carbamazepine (option B) is also an antiepileptic drug, but it works by a different mechanism compared to valproic acid. Carbamazepine primarily acts by blocking sodium channels in the brain to prevent abnormal electrical activity that can lead to seizures. Lamotrigine (option C) is another antiepileptic medication that works by inhibiting the release of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. It is not a central nervous system stimulant like valproic acid. Ethosuximide (option D) is used to treat absence (petit mal) seizures and works by reducing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain associated with this specific type of seizure. It is not a central nervous system stimulant like valproic acid. In an educational context, understanding the mechanisms of action of different antiepileptic drugs is crucial for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions regarding the selection of appropriate medications for patients with seizure disorders. This knowledge helps optimize patient care and outcomes by tailoring treatment to individual needs based on the underlying pathology and desired therapeutic effects.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following drugs was most likely prescribed for the 36-year-old woman recently diagnosed with simple partial seizures?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Valproic acid. Valproic acid is commonly prescribed for simple partial seizures due to its effectiveness in controlling seizure activity by increasing levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which helps to inhibit abnormal neuronal firing. Levetiracetam (A) is typically used for various seizure types, but it is not the first-line treatment for simple partial seizures. Carbamazepine (B) is more commonly used for focal seizures and generalized tonic-clonic seizures, rather than simple partial seizures. Phenobarbital (D) is an older antiepileptic drug that is less commonly used nowadays due to its sedative effects and potential for tolerance and dependence. Educationally, understanding the specific indications for each antiepileptic drug is crucial for nurses and healthcare providers to ensure appropriate and effective treatment for patients with seizures. It is important to consider factors such as the type of seizures, patient's age, comorbidities, and potential side effects when selecting the most suitable medication. This knowledge is essential for providing safe and optimal care to patients with seizure disorders.
Question 5 of 5
A 54-year-old woman with a previously well-controlled seizure disorder was brought to the hospital because of recurrent, generalized tonic-clonic seizures. The patient was intubated and mechanically ventilated. She was treated with intravenous diazepam and fosphenytoin but continued to exhibit intermittent seizures and did not regain consciousness between them. A diagnosis of refractory status epilepticus was made. A large dose of which of the following drugs would be appropriate to add to the patient's therapy at this time?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the scenario described, the patient is experiencing refractory status epilepticus, which requires aggressive treatment. Valproic acid is a commonly used antiepileptic drug for the management of status epilepticus due to its broad spectrum of action and efficacy in controlling seizures. Additionally, valproic acid has been shown to be effective in cases of refractory status epilepticus where other medications have failed. Therefore, adding valproic acid to the patient's therapy would be appropriate in this situation.