Drugs Used in Nervous System Disorders

Question 1

Acetylcholine

Answer 1

A neurotransmitter that allows a nerve impulse to cross the synaptic junction (gap) between two nerve fibers or between a nerve fiber and an organ (e.g.: muscle, gland).

Question 2

Acetylcholinesterase

Answer 2

An enzyme that brings about the breakdown of acetylcholine in the synaptic gap.

Question 3

Adrenergic

Answer 3

A term used to describe an action or a receptor that is activated by epinephrine or norepinephrine.

Question 4

Analgesia

Answer 4

The absence of the sensation of pain.

Question 5

Anesthesia

Answer 5

The loss of all sensation. May be described as local (affecting a small area), regional, or surgical (accompanied by unconsciousness).

Question 6

Autonomic nervous system

Answer 6

That portion of the nervous system that controls involuntary activities.

Question 7

Catalepsy

Answer 7

A state of involuntary muscle rigidity that is accompanied by immobility, amnesia, and variable amounts of analgesia. Some reflexes may be preserved.

Question 8

Catecholamine

Answer 8

The class of neurotransmitters that includes dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. When given therapeutically, catecholamines mimic the effects of stimulating the sympathetic nervous system.

Question 9

Cholinergic

Answer 9

Activated by or transmitted through acetylcholine; also called parasympathomimetic. Cholinergic drugs increase activity in the gastrointestinal tract.

Question 10

Effector

Answer 10

A gland, organ, or tissue that responds to nerve stimulation with a specific action.

Question 11

Ganglionic synapse

Answer 11

The site of the synapse between neuron one and neuron two of the autonomic nervous system.

Question 12

Minimum alveolar concentration (MAC)

Answer 12

A measure of potency and is the alveolar concentration that prevents movement in 50% of patients in response to a painful stimulus. Lower numbers indicate more potent agents.

Question 13

Muscarinic receptors

Answer 13

Receptors activated by acetylcholine and muscarine that are found in glands, the heart, and smooth muscle. An acronym for remembering muscarinic effects is SLUD: S, salivation; L, lacrimation; U, urination; D, defecation.

Question 14

Neuroleptanalgesia

Answer 14

A combination of an opioid with a tranquilizer or sedative.

Question 15

Nicotinic receptors

Answer 15

Receptors activated by acetylcholine and nicotine found at the neuromuscular junction of the skeletal muscle and at the ganglionic synapses.

Question 16

Parasympathetic nervous system

Answer 16

That portion of the autonomic nervous system that arises from the craniosacral portion of the spinal cord, is mediated by the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, and is concerned primarily with conserving and restoring a steady state in the body.

Question 17

Parasympatholytic

Answer 17

A drug used to inhibit the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system.

Question 18

Parasympathomimetic

Answer 18

A drug that mimics the effects of stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system.

Question 19

Precision vaporizer

Answer 19

A part of the anesthesia machine, located out of the circuit, used to convert a liquid anesthetic to a gas state and produce a precise concentration of anesthetic vapor in the carrier gas (oxygen) passing through the vaporizer and delivered to the patient. They are designed for use with only one specific anesthetic agent.

Question 20

Sedative

Answer 20

A drug used to suppress brain activity and awareness; reduced excitement by causing sleepiness.

Question 21

Sympathetic nervous system

Answer 21

That portion of the autonomic nervous system that arises from the thoracolumbar spinal cord, is mediated by catecholamines, and is concerned with the fight-or-flight response.

Question 22

Sympatholytic

Answer 22

A drug used to inhibit the activity of the sympathetic nervous system; block the effects of the adrenergic neurotransmitters.

Question 23

Sympathomimetic

Answer 23

A drug that mimics the effects of stimulating the sympathetic nervous system.

Question 24

Tranquilizer

Answer 24

A drug used to calm a patient by decreasing anxiety, not necessarily reduce awareness.

Question 25

Vapor pressure

Answer 25

Vapor pressure of an agent indicated how volatile it is and the maximum concentration that can be achieved. Vapor pressure of an inhalant anesthetic is a measure of its tendency to evaporate.