CNS Drugs

Spine, analgesics (pain relievers), antidepressants, antipsychotics, and sedatives.

What is the primary mechanism of action for Benzodiazepine derivatives used as anti-anxiety medications?

They act as central nervous system (CNS) depressants.

Name a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic that is particularly useful for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and has no abuse potential.

Buspirone

How long does it typically take for the medication Buspirone to become effective?

Approximately 3 weeks

Which benzodiazepine is specifically indicated for preoperative sedation and conscious sedation during endoscopic procedures?

Midazolam

What effect does cigarette smoking have on the clearance of benzodiazepines?

It increases the clearance of the drug.

The herbal supplement Kava, used for anxiety, is contraindicated in which population?

Women who are pregnant or lactating and children under age 12.

What is the mechanism of action for anticholinergic medications in the autonomic nervous system?

They compete with acetylcholine at receptor sites.

Which anticholinergic medication is primarily used to treat bradycardia?

Atropine sulfate

Anticholinergic medications are generally contraindicated for clients with which ocular condition?

Glaucoma

Which anticholinergic drug is administered via a transdermal patch for motion sickness?

Scopolamine

What is the fundamental mechanism of action for anticonvulsant medications?

They decrease the flow of calcium and sodium across neuronal membranes.

Which anticonvulsant is considered the agent of choice for many seizure disorders in young children?

Valproic acid

Before administering parenteral Magnesium sulfate for pregnancy-induced hypertension, which assessment is critical to perform?

Deep tendon reflexes

What is a significant adverse effect of the anticonvulsant Phenytoin sodium related to the oral cavity?

Gingival hyperplasia

Which type of antidepressant acts by inhibiting the CNS neuronal uptake of serotonin?

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

How long does it generally take for SSRIs to reach their full therapeutic effect?

4 weeks

What is the mechanism of action for Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) Inhibitors?

They prevent the destruction of norepinephrine, epinephrine, and serotonin by interfering with the monoamine oxidase enzyme.

Clients taking MAOIs (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors) must avoid foods containing _____ to prevent a hypertensive crisis.

Tyramine

How many days before general anesthesia should MAOIs (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors) be discontinued?

10 days

What is the mechanism of action for Tricyclic antidepressants?

They inhibit the presynaptic reuptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin.

Why are Tricyclic antidepressants often administered at night?

To promote sleep and decrease daytime adverse effects due to their sedative properties.

Which antidepressant is also indicated for smoking cessation?

Bupropion

Which herbal supplement used for depression should not be combined with SSRIs due to the risk of serotonin syndrome?

St. John's wort

What is the mechanism of action for most antipsychotic medications?

They block postsynaptic dopamine receptors in the brain.

Which first-line atypical antipsychotic is chosen for its very low incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) and anticholinergic effects?

Risperidone

Define 'Akathisia' as an adverse effect of antipsychotic medication.

It is a state of motor restlessness characterized by the inability to sit or stand still.

What are the characteristic symptoms of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)?

Rigidity, fever, sweating, autonomic dysfunction, and confusion.

Which muscle relaxant is used to treat the rigidity associated with Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome?

Dantrolene

What is a unique nursing consideration for the administration of Chlorpromazine regarding skin care?

Educate the client about increased sensitivity to the sun.

The symptoms 'red as a beet, dry as a bone, and mad as a hatter' describe which medication-induced state?

Atropine psychosis

High-potency traditional antipsychotics like Haloperidol have a higher incidence of _____ compared to low-potency ones.

Extrapyramidal adverse effects

What is the mechanism of action for Antiparkinsonian dopaminergics like Levodopa?

It is a precursor to dopamine that is converted into dopamine in the brain.

Which vitamin should be avoided by clients taking Levodopa because it reverses the drug's effects?

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

What is the function of Carbidopa when administered with Levodopa?

It prevents the peripheral metabolism of levodopa, allowing more to reach the brain.

What is the mechanism of action for Opioid analgesics?

They produce analgesia, euphoria, and sedation by acting on receptor cells in the central nervous system.

Which medication is the specific antagonist used to reverse respiratory depression caused by opioid overdose?

Naloxone

Why is Morphine sulfate used for clients with cardiac conditions?

It reduces preload and afterload pressures, decreasing the overall cardiac workload.

What is the mechanism of action for Methylphenidate in the treatment of ADHD?

It increases the level of catecholamines in the cerebral cortex and reticular activating system.

Which classification of medication is used for the control of manic episodes in bipolar disorder by competing with Na+ and K+ transport?

Lithium

What is the target maintenance blood level for a client on Lithium therapy?

0.8-1.2 mEq/L (0.8-1.2 mmol/L)

What are early signs of Lithium intoxication?

Vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, muscular weakness, and ataxia.

What mechanism of action describes antidepressants like Venlafaxine and Duloxetine?

They are Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs).

Which CNS stimulant used for ADHD should be administered at least 6 hours before bedtime to avoid insomnia?

Methylphenidate

In the treatment of myasthenia gravis, what is the mechanism of action for medications like Pyridostigmine bromide?

They inhibit the destruction of acetylcholine released from parasympathetic and somatic efferent nerves.

What is the primary mechanism of action for sedatives used to manage insomnia, such as Melatonin?

It is a hormone from the pineal gland that influences sleep-wake cycles.

Which CNS medication group requires monitoring for a persistent dry nonproductive cough as an adverse effect?

ACE Inhibitors

What is the mechanism of action for skeletal muscle relaxants like Methocarbamol?

They act by depressing the central nervous system to reduce muscle spasms.

Which atypical antipsychotic is associated with the highest risk of significant weight gain?

Risperidone

What is the mechanism of action for the anti-impotence medication Sildenafil?

It enhances blood flow to the corpus cavernosum by inhibiting phosphodiesterase type 5.

Why should nitrates not be taken with Sildenafil?

The combination can cause a dramatic and dangerous decrease in blood pressure.

Which herbal supplement is used for dementia and short-term memory loss by enhancing cerebral circulation?

Ginkgo biloba

Which CNS drug class is categorized into High, Medium, and Low potency based on their dopamine-blocking strength?

Traditional antipsychotics

What effect does grapefruit juice have on the serum levels of many CNS medications like Buspirone or Carbamazepine?

It increases serum drug levels, potentially leading to toxicity.

Which medication is a precursor to dopamine and used to treat Parkinson's disease?

Levodopa

What is the clinical term for abnormal voluntary movements, often a side effect of antipsychotics?

Dyskinesia

In clients with bipolar disorder, which medication functions as a mood stabilizer and is also traditionally used for seizures?

Carbamazepine

How should a nurse instruct a client to manage 'dry mouth,' a common anticholinergic side effect?

Use sugarless lozenges or frequent mouth care.

Which opioid analgesic is less potent than morphine and has a lower potential for dependence?

Codeine

What is the purpose of a 'lock-out interval' on a Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA) pump?

To prevent the client from receiving excessive doses of the narcotic within a set timeframe.

What is the primary MOA for local anesthetics like Lidocaine?

They block nerve conduction by inhibiting sodium channels.

Which CNS medication's therapeutic effect may be delayed for 2 to 6 weeks, as seen with some Tricyclics?

Antidepressants

Which therapy is a major contraindication for the use of anti-impotence medications like Tadalafil?

Nitrate therapy

Identify the characteristic 'Z-track' injection requirement for which long-acting antipsychotic form?

Haloperidol decanoate

Which CNS drug is used as an adjunct therapy for intractable partial seizures and increases the risk of renal calculi?

Topiramate

What is the specific mechanism for 'extrapyramidal symptoms' caused by antipsychotics?

Blockade of dopamine receptors in the extrapyramidal motor system of the brain.

Which medication-induced movement disorder involves involuntary sucking, chewing, and tongue thrusting?

Tardive dyskinesia

Why is it important to monitor liver function for clients on Valproic acid?

The medication carries a risk of toxic hepatitis.

In the context of CNS drugs, what does the term 'potentiate' mean?

To increase the power or effect of another drug.

Which herbal supplement used for stress and insomnia should be avoided by those allergic to ragweed or daisies?

Chamomile

What is the primary safety concern for a nurse when a client is first starting on anxiolytic or sedative therapy?

The risk of falls due to drowsiness or dizziness.

How does the nurse evaluate if Antiparkinsonian therapy is effective?

By observing for a reduction in tremors, rigidity, and improved gait.

What is the nurse's priority action if a client on an antipsychotic develops a high fever and muscle rigidity?

Immediately withdraw the medication and notify the healthcare provider.

Which classification of antidepressants is typically not the first-line choice due to severe dietary restrictions?

MAOIs

Why should benzodiazepines not be discontinued abruptly?

To avoid withdrawal symptoms such as tremors or convulsions.

Which CNS drug class is used to treat both depression and obsessive-compulsive disorders?

SSRIs

What is a significant nursing consideration for a client taking the anticonvulsant Lamotrigine?

Monitor for a life-threatening rash.

Which drug used for opioid detoxification works as a long-acting synthetic narcotic?

Methadone

How should a nurse advise a client to handle photosensitivity caused by antipsychotic medications?

Wear protective clothing and use high-SPF sunscreen.

What CNS assessment finding is indicative of 'salicylism' from high-dose aspirin use?

Tinnitus

Which antidepressant medication is contraindicated in clients with a history of seizures?

Bupropion