ATI RN
Pharmacology CNS Drugs Quiz Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which one of the following drugs can cause hypotension because it can block alpha-adrenergic receptors on vascular smooth muscle cells?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Phenothiazines (choice D), like chlorpromazine, block alpha-adrenergic receptors, causing vasodilation and hypotension. Clozapine (choice A) causes less alpha blockade, Diazepam (choice B) doesn't, and H1 blockers (choice C) cause sedation, not hypotension. This side effect is notable in phenothiazines.
Question 2 of 5
A 72-year old woman with a long history of anxiety that has been treated with diazepam decides to triple her daily dose. Two days after her attempts at self-prescribing, she is found extremely lethargic and non-responsive. Respiration is 8/min and shallow. Which of the following drugs should we give to reverse these signs and symptoms?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Flumazenil (choice B) reverses benzodiazepine (diazepam) overdose, countering lethargy and respiratory depression by antagonizing GABAa receptors. Amphetamine (choice A) stimulates, Naltrexone (choice C) blocks opioids, and Physostigmine (choice D) treats anticholinergic toxicity. Flumazenil is specific.
Question 3 of 5
You are on your way to take an examination and you suddenly get an attack of diarrhea. If you stop at a nearby drugstore for an over-the-counter opioid with antidiarrheal action, you will be asking for:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Loperamide. Loperamide is an opioid receptor agonist that acts locally in the gut to decrease motility and increase the tone of the intestinal wall, thereby reducing diarrhea. It does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier, so it has minimal central nervous system effects compared to systemic opioids like codeine (option A) and nalbuphine (option D). Codeine (option A) is a systemic opioid that can cause central nervous system side effects such as sedation and respiratory depression. Dextromethorphan (option B) is a cough suppressant that does not have significant antidiarrheal properties. Nalbuphine (option D) is a mixed opioid agonist-antagonist and is not commonly used for the treatment of diarrhea. In an educational context, understanding the mechanisms of action of different opioids is crucial for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions when selecting appropriate medications for specific conditions. It is important to differentiate between opioids with central effects and those that act primarily in the gastrointestinal tract to effectively manage symptoms like diarrhea. This knowledge ensures safe and effective pharmacological interventions in clinical practice.
Question 4 of 5
Adverse effects of metformin include all of the following EXCEPT:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Metformin's adverse effects include lactic acidosis (choice A), a rare but serious risk due to lactate accumulation, especially in renal impairment; nausea (choice C), a common GI upset; and vitamin B12 interference (choice D), from altered absorption. Hypoglycemia (choice B) is not typical, as Metformin reduces hepatic glucose output and enhances insulin sensitivity without directly stimulating insulin release, unlike sulfonylureas. This exception underscores Metformin's safety profile in type 2 diabetes, avoiding the hypoglycemic risk of secretagogues. Understanding this is vital for prescribing, monitoring renal function to prevent lactic acidosis, and addressing B12 deficiency in long-term users.
Question 5 of 5
The following drug is used to induce ovulation:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the context of pharmacology, particularly in the treatment of infertility, the drug Clomiphene is used to induce ovulation in women who are struggling to conceive due to ovulatory issues. Clomiphene works by stimulating the release of hormones necessary for ovulation to occur, thereby increasing the chances of successful conception. Option A, Norgestrel, is a progestin hormone commonly found in contraceptive pills and is not used to induce ovulation. Option B, Tamoxifen, is a selective estrogen receptor modulator often used in the treatment of breast cancer and is not indicated for ovulation induction. Option C, Ethinyl estradiol, is a synthetic estrogen commonly found in oral contraceptive pills and hormone replacement therapy but does not induce ovulation. Understanding the mechanisms of action of different drugs in the context of pharmacology is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially those working in reproductive health or fertility clinics. Knowing which drugs are used for specific purposes, such as inducing ovulation in this case, ensures that patients receive appropriate and effective treatments tailored to their needs. This knowledge also helps in preventing medication errors and optimizing patient outcomes.