Block 13 Pharm Hypnotic Drugs

2.

One of the following statements correctly pairs the therapeutic use of barbiturates with the appropriate drug

As a hypnotic for an elderly person -- pentobarbital
To abate signs and symptoms of withdrawal from a sedative drug -- alprazolam
For the treatment of chronic anxiety -- pentobarbital
As an anticonvulsant for petit mal seizure -- phenobarbital
As an anesthetic induction agent -- thiopental

Correct Answer

A. As an anesthetic induction agent -- thiopental

Explanation

Thiopental is commonly used as an anesthetic induction agent, meaning it is used to induce anesthesia and put a patient to sleep before a surgical procedure. It has a rapid onset of action and a short duration of effect, making it suitable for this purpose. The other options listed do not match the correct therapeutic use of barbiturates. Pentobarbital is used as a hypnotic for an elderly person or for the treatment of chronic anxiety, while phenobarbital is used as an anticonvulsant for petit mal seizures. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine, not a barbiturate, and is used to treat anxiety disorders, not withdrawal symptoms.

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3.

Benzodiazepines ...

Have little effect on respiratory or cardiovascular functions when given at therapeutic doses in an otherwise healthy patient.
May be safely prescribed for elderly patients at the same dose used for younger patients
Have a good analgesic effect in case of neuropathic pain
Can cause a strong psychological dependence but no physical dependence.

Correct Answer

A. Have little effect on respiratory or cardiovascular functions when given at therapeutic doses in an otherwise healthy patient.

Explanation

Benzodiazepines have little effect on respiratory or cardiovascular functions when given at therapeutic doses in an otherwise healthy patient. This means that when prescribed in appropriate doses to a patient who is otherwise healthy, benzodiazepines do not significantly impact their respiratory or cardiovascular functions. This suggests that benzodiazepines can be safely used in patients without causing adverse effects on these vital functions.

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4.

The most common problems associates with the use of long-acting benzodiazepines are

Mental confusion and anterograde amnesia
Paradoxical excitement and irritability
Disturbing dreams and early awakening
Hangover effects
Day time sedation and drowsiness

Correct Answer

A. Day time sedation and drowsiness

Explanation

Long-acting benzodiazepines can cause day time sedation and drowsiness as a common problem. These medications have a long duration of action, meaning they stay in the body for a longer period of time. This can result in excessive sedation and drowsiness during the day, making it difficult for individuals to stay awake and alert. This side effect can interfere with daily activities and productivity. It is important for individuals taking long-acting benzodiazepines to be aware of this potential problem and to discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider.

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5.

One of the following drugs is an active metabolite of many different benzodiazepines, including diazepam, desmethyldiazepam and temazepam

Alprazolam
Flumazenil
Oxazepam
Lorazepam
Midazolam

Correct Answer

A. Oxazepam

Explanation

Oxazepam is the correct answer because it is an active metabolite of many different benzodiazepines, including diazepam, desmethyldiazepam, and temazepam. When these benzodiazepines are metabolized in the body, they are converted into oxazepam, which has its own pharmacological effects. This makes oxazepam an important compound in the metabolism and elimination of benzodiazepines from the body.

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6.

Pharmacological action of barbiturates, often considered a side effect, includes

Antimuscarinic action on the gastrointestinal tract
A dose-related increase in intracranial pressure
Minimal respiratory depression, even at high doses
An increase in blood pressure, due to ganglionic stimulation
A dose-related decrease in cardiac output

Correct Answer

A. A dose-related decrease in cardiac output

Explanation

Barbiturates are known to have several pharmacological actions, and one of them is a dose-related decrease in cardiac output. This means that as the dose of barbiturates increases, the cardiac output decreases. Cardiac output refers to the amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute, and a decrease in cardiac output can lead to reduced blood flow to vital organs. This effect of barbiturates on cardiac output is important to consider, especially when using these drugs in patients with cardiovascular conditions.

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7.

Recognized therapeutic indications for the use of benzodiazepines include

Acute paranoia
Pain due to occlusive arterial disease
Chronic control of complex partial seizure
Muscle spasms due to upper motor neuron disease
Overflow incontinence in the elderly

Correct Answer

A. Muscle spasms due to upper motor neuron disease

Explanation

Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that are commonly used to treat muscle spasms. Upper motor neuron disease is a condition that affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle spasticity and spasms. Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps to reduce the activity of the nerves and relax the muscles. Therefore, using benzodiazepines to treat muscle spasms due to upper motor neuron disease is a recognized therapeutic indication.

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8.

One of the following statements regarding the pharmacokinetics of benzodiazepines is correct

Most of their metabolites are pharmacologically inactive
The hepatic extraction ratio of most of them is > 80%
Their intramuscular bioavailability is always higher than the oral bioavailability
In general their half-lives correlate poorly with the duration of their major CNS Effects
The duration of the central effects may be very prolonged in case of renal Failure

Correct Answer

A. In general their half-lives correlate poorly with the duration of their major CNS Effects

Explanation

The correct answer is that in general, the half-lives of benzodiazepines correlate poorly with the duration of their major CNS effects. This means that the length of time that the drug remains in the body does not necessarily determine how long its effects will last in the central nervous system. This is important to consider when prescribing benzodiazepines, as the duration of their effects may vary depending on individual factors such as metabolism and tolerance.

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9.

One of the following drugs is LEAST LIKELY to alleviate withdrawal symptoms in an alcoholic patient

Buspirone
Lorazepam
Diazepam
Secobarbital
Chloral hydrate

Correct Answer

A. Buspirone

Explanation

Buspirone is the correct answer because it is not classified as a sedative or a hypnotic drug like the other options. It is primarily used as an anxiolytic and does not have the same effect on the central nervous system as the other drugs listed. Therefore, it is least likely to alleviate withdrawal symptoms in an alcoholic patient.

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10.

The onset and duration of action of a barbiturate like thiopental is influenced by all of the following factors EXCEPT

Plasma half-like
Lipid solubility of the drug
Cerebral blood flow
Amount of body fat
Extent of tissue binding

Correct Answer

A. Plasma half-like

Explanation

The onset and duration of action of a barbiturate like thiopental is influenced by factors such as lipid solubility, cerebral blood flow, amount of body fat, and extent of tissue binding. However, the plasma half-life of the drug is not directly related to the onset and duration of action. The plasma half-life refers to the time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated from the plasma, but it does not necessarily determine how quickly the drug takes effect or how long its effects last.

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Block 13 Pharm Hypnotic Drugs

Benzodiazepines have many different effects on the CNS. However they are devoid of ________________ effects

Quiz Preview

One of the following statements correctly pairs the therapeutic use of barbiturates with the appropriate drug

Benzodiazepines ...

The most common problems associates with the use of long-acting benzodiazepines are

One of the following drugs is an active metabolite of many different benzodiazepines, including diazepam, desmethyldiazepam and temazepam

Pharmacological action of barbiturates, often considered a side effect, includes

Recognized therapeutic indications for the use of benzodiazepines include

One of the following statements regarding the pharmacokinetics of benzodiazepines is correct

One of the following drugs is LEAST LIKELY to alleviate withdrawal symptoms in an alcoholic patient

The onset and duration of action of a barbiturate like thiopental is influenced by all of the following factors EXCEPT