Neuropharmacology: CNS Drugs

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Questions and Answers

What precaution should be taken for a child under 2 years old who is taking anticonvulsants?

Administer additional anticonvulsants.

Evaluate liver function regularly.

Assess for physical and psychological dependence. (correct)

Monitor for potential allergic reactions.

Which of the following is NOT a nursing consideration when administering gabapentin?

Monitor for hypersensitivity reactions.

Closely monitor CBC results.

Administer with food to reduce GI distress.

Prepare the patient for potential kidney failure. (correct)

What is the primary indication for the use of gabapentin?

Management of acute pain following surgery.

Partial seizures. (correct)

Prevention of allergic reactions.

Treatment of anxiety disorders.

When administering dantrolene sodium, which condition is it most effective for?

Spasticity of cerebral origin. Signup and view all the answers

What should be closely monitored when a patient is on dantrolene sodium?

Patient's serum level response to therapy. Signup and view all the answers

What is tolerance in the context of prolonged drug use?

Decreased response to a drug Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitters are involved in the dysregulation associated with ADHD?

Dopamine and norepinephrine Signup and view all the answers

What does physical dependence indicate in drug use?

Withdrawal symptoms upon abrupt discontinuation Signup and view all the answers

Which CNS drug is most commonly prescribed for treating narcolepsy?

Modafinil Signup and view all the answers

What type of drug is phenobarbital?

An anti-seizure medication Signup and view all the answers

How do axonal conduction and synaptic transmission differ in the nervous system?

Axonal conduction involves action potentials, while synaptic transmission involves neurotransmitter release. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes Parkinson's disease?

Tremor, rigidity, and slowed movement Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of children concerning CNS drugs?

They are much more sensitive to CNS drugs than adults. Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is primarily used as an analeptic to stimulate respiration?

Doxapram Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of Phenobarbital in terms of seizure management?

Treatment of partial and tonic-clonic seizures Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended maximum rate for IV administration of phenobarbital?

60 mg/min Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following adverse effects is associated with the use of phenytoin?

Gingival hyperplasia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary therapeutic goal of dopaminergic drugs in treating patients?

Improve the patient’s ability to carry out activities of daily life Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary consideration when administering IV Diazepam for status epilepticus?

Administer no more than 5 mg/min Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following agents is known to block receptors for acetylcholine (ACh)?

Anticholinergic agents Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism does levodopa employ to exert its effects?

Is converted to dopamine and activates dopamine receptors Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is considered the drug of choice (DOC) for acute management of status epilepticus?

Lorazepam Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following side effects may be increased by the use of amantadine?

Anticholinergic adverse effects Signup and view all the answers

What should be monitored regularly during prolonged therapy with Iminostilbenes such as Carbamazepine?

Liver, kidney, and hematopoietic function Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of COMT inhibitors in the treatment of patients taking levodopa?

They inhibit the breakdown of levodopa. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the use of benzodiazepines in seizure management?

They suppress seizures by potentiating GABA effects. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a proper nursing consideration for patients receiving antiepileptic drugs?

Administer the drug only at night Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is NOT a role of dopamine agonists?

Convert into dopamine in the body Signup and view all the answers

What should be assessed when using dopaminergic drugs in patients?

Motor symptoms and their impact on daily living Signup and view all the answers

When is amantadine typically used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease?

As a second or third line drug option Signup and view all the answers

What is the time frame in which withdrawal effects from alcohol typically begin?

4 to 12 hours after last intake Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of opioid withdrawal?

Hypertension Signup and view all the answers

What complication may arise during alcohol withdrawal that requires special attention?

Hallucinations Signup and view all the answers

Which intervention is most important when monitoring a patient recovering from neuromuscular blockade?

Monitoring respiratory rate Signup and view all the answers

How long does it typically take for alcohol withdrawal symptoms to subside if delirium does not occur?

5 to 7 days Signup and view all the answers

What type of seizures are commonly associated with alcohol withdrawal?

Tonic-clonic seizures Signup and view all the answers

Which substance withdrawal is characterized by symptoms such as yawning and sweating?

Opioids Signup and view all the answers

What is the priority nursing intervention when monitoring for incomplete eyelid closure?

Apply eye drops Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Neuropharmacology Overview

Focuses on drugs affecting the central nervous system (CNS).
Aims to alter processes controlled by the nervous system.
Result in increased therapeutic effects or decreased side effects.

Drug Adaptation Mechanisms

Tolerance: Reduced response develops with prolonged drug use.
Physical Dependence: Abrupt drug discontinuation leads to withdrawal syndrome.

Neuronal Functions

Axonal Conduction: Action potentials travel along neuron axons.
Synaptic Transmission: Information transfer occurs between neurons and postsynaptic cells.

CNS Stimulants

Used to treat ADHD by addressing neurotransmitter dysregulation (serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine).
ADHD symptoms include impulsivity, restlessness, and concentration difficulties.
Narcolepsy: Characterized by sudden sleep episodes; treatment includes stimulants like amphetamines and modafinil.

Blood-Brain Barrier

Restricts entry of drugs into the brain; primarily permits lipid-soluble agents.
Children exhibit higher sensitivity to CNS drugs compared to adults.

Parkinson's Disease

Progressive neurodegenerative condition affecting movement.
Symptoms: Tremors, rigidity, postural instability, bradykinesia.
Treatment focuses on improving daily activities and alleviating motor symptoms.

Dopaminergic Drugs

Levodopa: Converts to dopamine; enhances motor control.
Dopamine Agonists: Activate dopamine receptors directly (e.g., pramipexole, ropinirole).
Adverse effects: Can include hallucinations and impulse control disorders.

Barbiturates and Anticonvulsants

Phenobarbital: Effective for various seizure types; potentiates GABA effects.
Carbamazepine: First-line for partial and tonic-clonic seizures; delays sodium channel recovery.
Gabapentin: Increases GABA levels; also treats neuropathic pain.

Nursing Process in Neuropharmacology

Conduct thorough assessments to monitor motor symptoms and potential side effects.
Track patient compliance and conduct laboratory tests to ensure safety.
Patient education on medication adherence and potential drug interactions is essential.

Substance Withdrawal

Alcohol Withdrawal: Symptoms arise within 4-12 hours, peak at 24-48 hours, resolving within 5-7 days unless delirium occurs.
Opioid Withdrawal: Symptoms present within 1-3 days post-cessation; non-life-threatening but may include agitation and flu-like symptoms.

Detoxification and Maintenance

Both alcohol and opioid addiction require structured detoxification and long-term abstinence support.
Continuous evaluation and management of withdrawal symptoms are critical during recovery phases.

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Description

Explore the effects of drugs that impact the central nervous system. This quiz examines the adaptation to prolonged drug use, including increased therapeutic effects and decreased side effects of various CNS drugs. Test your knowledge on neuropharmacology with emphasis on antipsychotics and antidepressants.