Central Nervous System Drugs

Question 1

Agents that act on the brain and spinal cord

Medical uses:
Psychiatric disorders, suppression of seizures, pain relief, production of anesthesia

Answer 1

CNS Drugs

Question 2

Caused by excessive dosages or
when impaired excretion allows a drug to
build up in the body; May be irreversible or life-threatening

Answer 2

Toxicity

Question 3

The nurse is caring for a patient who is taking barbiturate. Which assessment finding requires immediate action by the nurse?

a. History of a sleep disorder
b. +1 pitting edema of the lower extremities
c. Urinary output of 10 mL/h
d. Blood pressure of 140/95 mm Hg

Answer 3

c. Urinary output of 10 mL/h

The patient’s urinary output is insufficient and could result in toxicity. History of sleep disorder, +1 pitting edema, and a blood pressure of 140/95 do not require immediate intervention.

Question 4

True or False?
After IV injection of morphine, maximal analgesia and respiratory depression usually occur within 30 min.

Answer 4

False; it occurs 10-20 minutes

Question 5

What is the two route selections with Opioid Analgesics? **Remember if the route is changed, then the dosage must be changed

Answer 5

-Noninvasive
-Oral, rectal, transdermal
-Invasive
-SubQ, IM, IV, spinal infusion

Question 6

An unpleasant feeling may be referred to as nervousness, tension, and worry.

Answer 6

Anxiety

Question 7

An agent that produces anesthesia or the lack of feeling or sensation, some cause muscle relaxation, relieve anxiety and fear and produce amnesia for surgery.

Answer 7

Anesthetics

Question 8

Anesthetics classified in two groups:

Answer 8

General and Local

Question 9

A patient is experiencing status epilepticus. The nurse prepares to give which drug of choice for the treatment of this condition?

Answer 9

Diazepam (Valium)

Question 10

Characterized by 4 involuntary movements:
Tremor
Rigidity
Bradykinesia
Postural instability

Answer 10

Parkinson’s Disease

Question 11

A drug which causes loss of consciousness (not arousable)

Answer 11

General anesthetic

Question 12

What is the drug of choice to treat parkinson’s disease?

Answer 12

Levodopa

Question 13

Period of altered brain function due to recurrent abnormal electrical impulses.

Answer 13

Seizure

Question 14

A network of tightly packed cells in the walls of capillaries in the brain that prevents many molecules from entering the brain.

Answer 14

Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)

Question 15

Intense feelings of sadness and despair.

Answer 15

Depression

Question 16

Space between two neurons or a neuron and a muscle.

Answer 16

Synapse

Question 17

Which is a priority nursing action when assessing for side effects expected in a patient taking analeptics?

a. Ausculating heart rate for bradycardia
b. Assessing for decreased mental alertness
c. Checking blood pressure for hypotension
d. Observing patient for nervousness

Answer 17

d. Observing patient for nervousness

Question 18

A client took an overdose of barbiturates. The cause of death would be which of the following?

a. Tachycardia
b. Hypertension
c. Dyspnea
d. Respiratory Arrest

Answer 18

d. Respiratory Arrest

Question 19

A man is diagnosed with schizophrenia. He exhibits
anhedonia, which is defined as which of the following?
A. seizure activity
B. lack of pleasure
C. worm-like movements
D. depression

Answer 19

B. Lack of pressure

Anhedonia is a lack of pleasure.

Question 20

What is the antidote for acetaminophen?

Answer 20

Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst)