Chapter 8 Central Nervous System Study Guide

These flashcards cover essential terms and concepts related to the Central Nervous System, its disorders, and medications.

What consists of the Central Nervous System (CNS)?

brain, spinal cord, nerves, and neurotransmitters.

What is the main function of the Central Nervous System?

controls functions of the human body, analyzes stimuli, and integrates internal and external responses.

What does the Peripheral Nervous System do?

brings sensory information into the CNS and carries motor information away from the CNS.

What are neurotransmitters?

chemical messengers that communicate to different parts of the body.

What is a neuron?

a type of cell that receives and sends messages from the body to the brain and back.

Define chemical synapse.

a specialized junction where one neuron communicates with another by releasing neurotransmitters.

What is an electrical synapse?

a direct connection between neurons, allowing ions and small molecules to flow directly between the cytoplasm of the two cells.

What triggers an action potential?

a sufficient stimulus.

List two types of neurotransmitters in the CNS. 

Amino Acids and Biogenic Amines.

Give an example of an amino acid neurotransmitter.

Glutamate.

What is Tardive Dyskinesia?

an adverse effect of antipsychotic medication characterized by involuntary movements.

What does NMS stand for?

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome.

What are extrapyramidal symptoms?

akathisia and acute dystonia.

What is anxiety?

excessive, persistent, and often irrational worry, fear, and nervousness that interferes with daily life.

Define depression.

persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest.

What defines bipolar disorder?

manic episodes, hypomania, major depressive episodes, and mixed episodes.

What symptoms are associated with schizophrenia?

hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, and speech abnormalities.

What are the features of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)?

inability to focus, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

What is a seizure?

a sudden brief episode of abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

What is Parkinson's disease?

a chronic, progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and other bodily functions.

What is phenobarbital?

a barbiturate used as a sedative-hypnotic drug for insomnia, anxiety, and seizures.

How do benzodiazepines, like lorazepam, function?

enhance GABA and reduce nerve signal activity, calming the CNS.

What is methylphenidate used for?

a CNS stimulant used to increase activity, alertness, and focus.

What do tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline do?

They block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine to improve mood.

What is the function of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?

block the reuptake of serotonin, allowing more serotonin to remain available.

Describe the mechanism of action of SNRIs like venlafaxine.

block the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine.

What do MAOIs do?

break down serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine to improve mood.

What is the purpose of lithium in bipolar disorder?

a mood stabilizer that alters brain chemistry and regulates neurotransmitters.

What is the action of first-generation antipsychotics like haloperidol?

They block dopamine receptors in the brain.

What is the benefit of using second-generation antipsychotics like risperidone?

They control dopamine and serotonin activity to reduce hallucinations and delusions.

What are anticonvulsants used for?

used to prevent or control seizures.

What is phenytoin's mechanism of action?

interferes with sodium channels in the brain.

What nursing consideration should be taken with gabapentin?

Antacids should be avoided for 2 hours.

What is the main effect of levetiracetam?

slows down electrical impulses in the brain.

What are important considerations when using carbidopa/levodopa?

Caution with driving and monitoring for neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is important.

What are common adverse effects of carbidopa/levodopa?

depression, dyskinesia, fatigue, and NMS symptoms.