Central Nervous System Drugs: Pharmacology for Nurses

Question 1

Identify the medication that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class.

Accepted Answer

Fluoxetine

Answer

Chlorpromazine

Answer

Alprazolam

Answer

Morphine

Question 2

Identify the irreversible competitive inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase that elicits cholinergic effects throughout the body.

Accepted Answer

Neostigmine

Answer

Edrophonium

Answer

Phyridostigmine

Answer

Carbachol

Question 3

Which non-opioid analgesic is commonly used to manage neuropathic pain?

Accepted Answer

Gabapentin

Answer

Ibuprofen

Answer

Acetaminophen

Answer

Diclofenac

Question 4

Identify the contraindication for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Accepted Answer

Concurrent use of MAO inhibitors

Answer

History of seizures

Answer

Pregnancy

Answer

Liver failure

Question 5

Identify the neurotransmitter associated with dopaminergic drugs.

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Levothyroxine

Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 6

Prior to administering a spinal anesthetic, which preoperative assessment is paramount for the nurse to conduct?

Accepted Answer

Neurological examination

Answer

Blood pressure measurement

Answer

Urinalysis

Answer

Complete blood count

Question 7

Which of the following is a common extrapyramidal side effect of antipsychotic medications?

Accepted Answer

Tremors

Answer

Diarrhea

Answer

Constipation

Answer

Hallucinations

Question 8

Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs used to treat anxiety. Which of the following is an example of a benzodiazepine?

Accepted Answer

Diazepam

Answer

Albuterol

Answer

Metoprolol

Answer

Warfarin

Question 9

Opioids are drugs that are primarily used to treat pain. What is the mechanism of action of opioids?

Accepted Answer

Binding to opioid receptors

Answer

Inhibition of dopamine reuptake

Answer

Increase in serotonin levels

Answer

Blockade of NMDA receptors

Question 10

Anticonvulsants are a class of drugs used to treat seizures. What is the main adverse effect associated with the use of anticonvulsants?

Accepted Answer

Drowsiness

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Bradycardia

Answer

Hyperthermia

Question 11

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects memory and cognition. Which of the following drugs is used to treat Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Donepezil

Answer

Propranolol

Answer

Lamotrigine

Answer

Clozapine

Question 12

Antipsychotics are a class of drugs used to treat psychosis. What is the mechanism of action of most antipsychotics?

Accepted Answer

Blockade of dopamine receptors

Answer

Inhibition of cholinergic neurotransmission

Answer

Enhancement of GABA activity

Answer

Stimulation of NMDA receptors

Question 13

Opioid overdose is a life-threatening emergency. What is the recommended treatment for opioid overdose?

Accepted Answer

Naloxone

Answer

Flumazenil

Answer

Activated charcoal

Answer

Intravenous fluids

Question 14

Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder characterized by tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Which of the following drugs is used to treat Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Levodopa

Answer

Albuterol

Answer

Warfarin

Answer

Metformin

Question 15

When assessing a patient's mental status, which technique is most appropriate to evaluate their orientation to time, place, and person?

Accepted Answer

Mental Status Exam (MSE)

Answer

Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE)

Answer

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

Answer

Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS)

Question 16

Which antidepressant acts by selectively inhibiting serotonin reuptake, increasing the synaptic concentration of serotonin?

Accepted Answer

Fluoxetine

Answer

Amitriptyline

Answer

Phenelzine

Answer

Lithium

Question 17

Which drug is used to treat Parkinson's disease by increasing dopaminergic activity in the nigrostriatal pathway?

Accepted Answer

Levodopa

Answer

Propranolol

Answer

Valproic acid

Answer

Haloperidol

Question 18

Which drug is contraindicated in patients with a history of seizures due to its potential to lower the seizure threshold?

Accepted Answer

Bupropion

Answer

Lamotrigine

Answer

Valproic acid

Question 19

Which antipsychotic drug acts by blocking dopamine D2 receptors in the mesolimbic pathway, reducing dopaminergic activity?

Accepted Answer

Clozapine

Answer

Valproic acid

Answer

Propranolol

Answer

Lithium

Question 20

Which drug acts as an agonist at the benzodiazepine site of the GABA-A receptor, enhancing GABAergic neurotransmission?

Accepted Answer

Diazepam

Answer

Caffeine

Answer

Tetrodotoxin

Answer

Strychnine

Question 21

Which drug is used to treat migraines by selectively activating serotonin 5-HT1B receptors, causing vasoconstriction of cranial blood vessels?

Accepted Answer

Triptans

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants

Answer

NSAIDs

Answer

Opioids

Question 22

Which drug is used to treat Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, increasing the synaptic concentration of acetylcholine?

Accepted Answer

Donepezil

Answer

Haloperidol

Answer

Lithium

Answer

Valproic acid

Question 23

Which drug acts as a partial agonist at the opioid mu receptor, providing analgesia with a lower risk of respiratory depression compared to full agonists?

Accepted Answer

Buprenorphine

Answer

Fentanyl

Answer

Methadone

Answer

Heroin

Question 24

Which drug is used to treat seizures by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels, reducing neuronal excitability?

Accepted Answer

Phenytoin

Answer

Clonidine

Answer

Propranolol

Answer

Valproic acid

Question 25

Identify the primary mechanism of action by which opioids produce analgesia.

Accepted Answer

Activation of mu-opioid receptors

Answer

Blockade of NMDA receptors

Answer

Enhancement of GABAergic activity

Answer

Inhibition of dopamine reuptake

Question 26

Which of the following conditions represents a contraindication for benzodiazepine administration?

Accepted Answer

Severe respiratory depression

Answer

Elderly patients

Answer

Mild anxiety

Question 27

Which adverse effect is commonly associated with the use of tricyclic antidepressants?

Accepted Answer

Anticholinergic effects

Answer

Serotonin syndrome

Answer

Tardive dyskinesia

Answer

Extrapyramidal symptoms

Question 28

Current guidelines recommend which class of medications as the first-line treatment for schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Atypical antipsychotic

Answer

Mood stabilizer

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressant

Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

Question 29

Which factor is considered a significant risk factor for opioid misuse?

Accepted Answer

History of substance abuse

Answer

Advanced age

Answer

High socioeconomic status

Answer

Female gender

Question 30

Identify a non-pharmacological intervention that is commonly used for the treatment of anxiety disorders.

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Answer

Hydrotherapy

Answer

Acupuncture

Answer

Massage therapy

Question 31

Which medication is primarily used to treat bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Lithium

Answer

Dopamine agonist

Answer

Benzodiazepine

Answer

Opioid analgesic

Question 32

Which potential risk is associated with the administration of spinal anesthesia?

Accepted Answer

Hypotension

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Tachycardia

Answer

Seizures

Question 33

Which of the following best describes the primary mechanism of action of opioids?

Accepted Answer

Binding to mu opioid receptors in the central nervous system, leading to inhibition of pain signals

Answer

Enhancement of GABA activity, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety

Answer

Inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake, increasing synaptic levels of norepinephrine

Answer

Blockage of NMDA receptors, reducing the transmission of pain signals

Question 34

Which of the following opioids is primarily known for its euphoric effects and high potential for abuse?

Accepted Answer

Heroin

Answer

Methadone

Answer

Morphine

Answer

Fentanyl

Question 35

Which of the following is a strict contraindication for the use of benzodiazepines?

Accepted Answer

Severe respiratory depression

Answer

Mild anxiety

Answer

Muscle spasms

Answer

Insomnia

Question 36

What is the most common indication for the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?

Accepted Answer

Treatment of depression

Answer

Relief of anxiety

Answer

Control of schizophrenia

Answer

Management of bipolar disorder

Question 37

Which of the following is a potential adverse effect associated with the use of antipsychotic medications?

Accepted Answer

Tardive dyskinesia, characterized by involuntary muscle movements

Answer

Nausea

Answer

Dizziness

Answer

Constipation

Question 38

Which of the following accurately describes the primary mechanism of action of anticholinergic medications?

Accepted Answer

Competitive antagonism of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors

Answer

Enhancement of GABA activity

Answer

Stimulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

Answer

Inhibition of dopamine reuptake

Question 39

What is the primary use of psychostimulants in the treatment of mental health conditions?

Accepted Answer

Management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Answer

Treatment of schizophrenia

Answer

Control of anxiety

Answer

Relief of depression

Question 40

Which of the following drug categories is specifically indicated for the treatment of epilepsy?

Accepted Answer

Anticonvulsants

Answer

Antidepressants

Answer

Analgesics

Answer

Antipsychotics

Question 41

A patient is prescribed a benzodiazepine for anxiety. What is the most important instruction the nurse should emphasize to the patient?

Accepted Answer

Avoid alcohol consumption while taking this medication.

Answer

Take the medication on an empty stomach for optimal absorption.

Answer

Stop taking the medication abruptly if you feel better.

Answer

Expect to feel a surge in energy levels.

Question 42

A patient with severe depression is prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Which of the following is a commonly reported adverse effect associated with SSRIs?

Accepted Answer

Sexual dysfunction

Answer

Hypotension and dizziness

Answer

Elevated blood sugar levels

Answer

Increased appetite and weight gain

Question 43

A nurse is caring for a patient who has been prescribed an opioid analgesic for pain management. What is a crucial nursing intervention to monitor for potential complications?

Accepted Answer

Assess respiratory rate and depth frequently.

Answer

Administer the medication with a full glass of water.

Answer

Monitor for signs of hyperactivity and agitation.

Answer

Encourage increased fluid intake to prevent dehydration.

Question 44

A patient is experiencing hallucinations and disorganized thoughts. Which type of medication is most likely to be prescribed for this condition?

Accepted Answer

Antipsychotic

Answer

Stimulant

Answer

Antidepressant

Answer

Anxiolytic

Question 45

A nurse is administering a medication that blocks the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. To which class of drugs does this medication belong?

Accepted Answer

Stimulants

Answer

Antidepressants

Answer

Antipsychotics

Answer

Anticonvulsants

Question 46

A patient with a history of seizures is taking phenytoin for seizure control. What is a crucial instruction for the nurse to provide to the patient?

Accepted Answer

Do not stop taking the medication abruptly.

Answer

Take the medication with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset.

Answer

Increase fluid intake to prevent kidney stones.

Answer

Monitor for signs of increased appetite and weight gain.

Question 47

A patient is receiving a sedative-hypnotic medication for sleep disturbances. Which of the following is a common adverse effect associated with this class of medications?

Accepted Answer

Drowsiness and impaired coordination

Answer

Increased energy levels and alertness

Answer

Gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea

Answer

Elevated blood pressure and tachycardia

Question 48

Which of the following medications is commonly used to treat Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Levodopa

Answer

Haloperidol

Answer

Fluoxetine

Answer

Diazepam

Question 49

A patient with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. What is the most important parameter to monitor in this patient while on lithium therapy?

Accepted Answer

Serum lithium levels

Answer

Blood pressure

Answer

Body temperature

Answer

Blood glucose levels

Question 50

A nurse is teaching a patient about the use of a tricyclic antidepressant. Which of the following statements made by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?

Accepted Answer

I can stop taking this medication whenever I feel better.

Answer

I may experience dry mouth and constipation as side effects.

Answer

I should take this medication as prescribed by my doctor.

Answer

I should avoid alcohol while taking this medication.