Central Nervous System Drugs: Online Learning Quizzes for Medical Students

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism of action of antidepressants?

Accepted Answer

Enhancement of acetylcholine release

Answer

Inhibition of serotonin reuptake

Answer

Inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake

Answer

Increase in synaptic dopamine levels

Question 2

Which of the following is a common adverse effect of antipsychotics?

Accepted Answer

Tardive dyskinesia

Answer

Hepatotoxicity

Answer

Electrolyte imbalance

Answer

Bone marrow suppression

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a therapeutic use of antipsychotics?

Accepted Answer

Nausea and vomiting

Answer

Schizophrenia

Answer

Bipolar disorder

Answer

Acute mania

Question 4

Which of the following anxiolytics belongs to a different class compared to alprazolam, lorazepam, and diazepam?

Accepted Answer

Buspirone

Answer

Pregabalin

Answer

Zolpidem

Answer

Gabapentin

Question 5

The therapeutic use of lithium in psychiatry is primarily due to its:

Accepted Answer

Mood-stabilizing properties

Answer

Antipsychotic effects

Answer

Antidepressant effects

Answer

Anxiolytic properties

Question 6

Which of the following drugs is used to treat tardive dyskinesia?

Accepted Answer

Amantadine

Answer

Clozapine

Answer

Valproic acid

Answer

Lithium

Question 7

Which of the following is not a known mechanism of action of mood stabilizers?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of dopamine release

Answer

Inhibition of voltage-gated sodium channels

Answer

Enhancement of GABAergic neurotransmission

Answer

Blockade of NMDA receptors

Question 8

For a patient experiencing hallucinations and delusions, which class of medication is typically recommended as first-line treatment?

Accepted Answer

Antipsychotics

Answer

Antidepressants

Answer

Anxiolytics

Answer

Mood stabilizers

Question 9

Which adverse effect is most commonly associated with tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)?

Accepted Answer

Anticholinergic effects

Answer

Hepatotoxicity

Answer

Cardiotoxicity

Answer

Extrapyramidal symptoms

Question 10

What is a unique characteristic of clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic?

Accepted Answer

Requirement for regular blood monitoring

Answer

Lower risk of extrapyramidal symptoms

Answer

Increased risk of tardive dyskinesia

Answer

Lack of efficacy against negative symptoms

Question 11

Which neurotransmitter is the primary target of antipsychotic medications?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Glutamate

Question 12

For a patient with a generalized anxiety disorder, which medication would be an appropriate first-line treatment?

Accepted Answer

Buspirone

Answer

Alprazolam

Answer

Clonazepam

Answer

Sertraline

Question 13

Which factor is a contraindication for the use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)?

Accepted Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Pregnancy

Answer

Asthma

Answer

Hepatic impairment

Question 14

What is the primary mechanism of action of tricyclic antidepressants?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine reuptake inhibition

Answer

Dopamine receptor stimulation

Answer

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonism

Answer

GABA transmission enhancement

Question 15

Which of the following is a commonly used antidepressant that belongs to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?

Accepted Answer

Fluoxetine

Answer

Trazodone

Answer

Lithium

Answer

Risperidone

Question 16

The most common type of adverse effect of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) is:

Accepted Answer

Anticholinergic effects (e.g., dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention)

Answer

Sedation

Answer

Extrapyramidal symptoms (e.g., tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia)

Answer

Weight loss

Question 17

Which of these statements about the mechanism of action of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is accurate?

Accepted Answer

SSRIs inhibit the presynaptic reuptake of serotonin, making more serotonin available at the synaptic cleft.

Answer

SSRIs enhance the breakdown of serotonin in the synapse.

Answer

SSRIs stimulate the release of serotonin from presynaptic neurons.

Answer

SSRIs block the postsynaptic receptors for serotonin.

Question 18

Which of the following antipsychotic medications is associated with the highest risk of developing tardive dyskinesia?

Accepted Answer

Haloperidol

Answer

Quetiapine

Answer

Clozapine

Answer

Olanzapine

Question 19

The primary mechanism by which benzodiazepines produce their pharmacological effects is through:

Accepted Answer

Potentiation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the GABA-A receptor.

Answer

Inhibition of glutamate release from presynaptic neurons.

Answer

Blockade of serotonin receptors in the raphe nuclei.

Answer

Stimulation of dopamine receptors in the mesolimbic pathway.

Question 20

Which of the following conditions is an absolute contraindication to the use of benzodiazepines?

Accepted Answer

Severe obstructive sleep apnea

Answer

Insomnia

Answer

Anxiety disorders

Answer

Panic disorder

Question 21

Which class of antidepressants is considered the first-line treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Buspirone

Answer

Antipsychotics

Question 22

Buprenorphine is a unique opioid that acts as a:

Accepted Answer

Mixed agonist-antagonist at the mu-opioid receptor.

Answer

Full agonist at the mu-opioid receptor.

Answer

Antagonist at the delta-opioid receptor.

Answer

Partial agonist at the kappa-opioid receptor.

Question 23

Which of the following is the primary mechanism of action of general anesthetics?

Accepted Answer

Reversible depression of the central nervous system, leading to a loss of consciousness.

Answer

Potentiation of inhibitory neurotransmitters such as GABA.

Answer

Stimulation of excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamate.

Answer

Blockade of neuromuscular transmission, resulting in muscle paralysis.

Question 24

Which of the following is a contraindication to the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in patients with cardiovascular disease?

Accepted Answer

History of myocardial infarction

Answer

Osteoarthritis

Answer

Rheumatoid arthritis

Answer

Gout

Question 25

Which of the following is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression?

Accepted Answer

Fluoxetine

Answer

Lamotrigine (Mood stabilizer)

Answer

Lorazepam (Benzodiazepine)

Answer

Risperidone (Atypical antipsychotic)

Question 26

Which of the following describes the primary mechanism of action of typical antipsychotics?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine receptor blockade

Answer

Serotonin reuptake inhibition (Antidepressants)

Answer

Sodium channel blockade (Anticonvulsants)

Question 27

Which of the following is a benzodiazepine primarily used to treat anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Alprazolam

Answer

Divalproex sodium (Mood stabilizer)

Answer

Aripiprazole (Atypical antipsychotic)

Answer

Escitalopram (SSRI antidepressant)

Question 28

Which of the following is a potential adverse effect associated with non-selective monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)?

Accepted Answer

Hypertensive crisis

Answer

Serotonin syndrome (SSRI antidepressants)

Answer

Seizure (Anticonvulsants)

Answer

Extrapyramidal symptoms (Typical antipsychotics)

Question 29

Which of the following medications is primarily indicated for the treatment of Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Levodopa/carbidopa

Answer

Phenytoin (Anticonvulsant)

Answer

Sertraline (SSRI antidepressant)

Answer

Olanzapine (Atypical antipsychotic)

Question 30

Which of the following describes the primary mechanism of action of atypical antipsychotics?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin and dopamine receptor blockade

Answer

GABA potentiation (Benzodiazepines)

Answer

Acetylcholine inhibition (Dementia medications)

Question 31

Which of the following is a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist used to reverse the effects of benzodiazepines?

Accepted Answer

Flumazenil

Answer

Naloxone (Opioid antagonist)

Answer

Atropine (Anticholinergic)

Question 32

Which of the following is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic commonly used to treat insomnia?

Accepted Answer

Zaleplon

Answer

Diazepam (Benzodiazepine)

Answer

Lamotrigine (Mood stabilizer)

Question 33

Which of the following is a potential drug interaction involving cytochrome P450 metabolism of benzodiazepines?

Accepted Answer

Erythromycin

Answer

Warfarin (Anticoagulant)

Answer

Metformin (Antidiabetic)

Answer

Omeprazole (PPI)

Question 34

Which mechanism of action is associated with tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)?

Accepted Answer

Blockade of norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake

Answer

Enhancement of dopaminergic neurotransmission

Answer

Blockade of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors

Question 35

For rapid onset of action, which route of administration is preferred for opioids?

Accepted Answer

Intravenous

Answer

Subcutaneous

Answer

Transdermal

Answer

Oral

Question 36

Which of the following is a characteristic clinical feature of delirium tremens (DT)?

Accepted Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Euphoria

Answer

Hypotonia

Answer

Bradycardia

Question 37

In the treatment of Parkinson's disease, which medication is commonly used?

Accepted Answer

Levodopa

Answer

Amphetamine

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Reserpine

Question 38

Which neurotransmitter plays a primary role in the brain's reward pathway?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Serotonin

Question 39

Which symptom is commonly observed in cases of opioid overdose?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory depression

Answer

Tachycardia

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Diaphoresis

Question 40

Which condition represents a contraindication to the use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)?

Accepted Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Tachycardia

Answer

Hypotension

Answer

Bradycardia

Question 41

Which of the following is the primary neurotransmitter targeted by tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) specifically for their antidepressant effects?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 42

Which of the following medications is considered the most appropriate first-line treatment option for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), with a favorable side effect profile and minimal potential for abuse?

Accepted Answer

Buspirone

Answer

Alprazolam

Answer

Mirtazapine

Answer

Phenelzine

Question 43

Which of the following drugs is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic that interacts with the GABA-A receptor to induce sleep?

Accepted Answer

Zolpidem

Answer

Trazodone

Answer

Diazepam

Answer

Melatonin

Question 44

Which of the following is a rare but serious potential adverse effect associated with the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?

Accepted Answer

Priapism

Answer

Hyperkalemia

Answer

Ataxia

Answer

Euphoria

Question 45

Which of the following drugs is a reversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), allowing for more flexibility in dietary restrictions compared to irreversible MAOIs?

Accepted Answer

Moclobemide

Answer

Tranylcypromine

Answer

Isocarboxazid

Answer

Phenelzine

Question 46

Which of the following antipsychotics has demonstrated particular effectiveness in treating negative symptoms, such as social withdrawal and blunted affect, in schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Clozapine

Answer

Risperidone

Answer

Ziprasidone

Answer

Olanzapine

Question 47

Which of the following drugs 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

Answer

Lithium

Question 48

Which of the following drugs is the primary treatment for Parkinson's disease, working by increasing dopaminergic activity in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Levodopa

Answer

Divalproex

Answer

Clonidine

Answer

Propranolol

Question 49

Which of the following antidepressants primarily works by blocking the reuptake of both norepinephrine and serotonin?

Accepted Answer

Venlafaxine

Answer

Bupropion

Answer

Fluoxetine

Answer

Sertraline

Question 50

Which of the following antipsychotics is a typical antipsychotic that acts primarily as a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist?

Accepted Answer

Haloperidol

Answer

Aripiprazole

Answer

Clozapine

Answer

Olanzapine

Question 51

Which of the following anxiolytics is a non-benzodiazepine that reduces anxiety by partially activating serotonin 5-HT1A receptors?

Accepted Answer

Buspirone

Answer

Diazepam

Answer

Alprazolam

Answer

Lorazepam

Question 52

Which of the following is a common adverse effect associated with the use of antidepressants?

Accepted Answer

Nausea

Answer

Seizures

Answer

Hypotension

Answer

Tachycardia

Question 53

Which of the following represents a potential drug interaction that can occur with anxiolytics, leading to increased sedation and potentially dangerous effects?

Accepted Answer

Increased sedation with alcohol

Answer

Increased blood pressure with stimulants

Answer

Decreased efficacy with antidepressants

Answer

Increased risk of seizures with anticonvulsants

Question 54

Which of the following conditions is a primary therapeutic use for antidepressants?

Accepted Answer

Depression

Answer

Schizophrenia

Answer

Anxiety disorders

Answer

Bipolar disorder

Question 55

Which of the following conditions is the primary therapeutic indication for antipsychotics?

Accepted Answer

Schizophrenia

Answer

Depression

Answer

Anxiety disorders

Answer

Bipolar disorder

Question 56

Which of the following conditions is a primary therapeutic use for anxiolytics?

Accepted Answer

Anxiety disorders

Answer

Depression

Answer

Bipolar disorder

Answer

Schizophrenia

Question 57

Which of the following concepts is central to understanding how central nervous system drugs exert their effects?

Accepted Answer

Neurotransmission

Answer

Electrocardiography

Answer

Metabolism

Answer

Osmosis