Mosby's Canadian Nursing Drug Reference,
2nd Edition
Authors :
Linda Skidmore-Roth & Faith Richardson
Pharmacology Test Bank: CNS Drugs
(Sedatives, Benzodiazepines,
Antidepressants)
Source: Mosby’s Canadian Nursing Drug
Reference, 2nd Edition
Focus Drugs: Diazepam, Lorazepam, SSRIs
(Sertraline, Fluoxetine)
1.
,A nurse administers diazepam to a patient with acute anxiety.
Which assessment is the priority after administration?
A. Blood glucose
B. Respiratory rate
C. Bowel sounds
D. Urine output
Answer: B. Respiratory rate
Rationale: Diazepam causes CNS depression, including
respiratory depression, which is the priority safety concern.
Other options are not immediate risks.
Citation: Mosby’s Canadian Nursing Drug Reference (Diazepam
– Benzodiazepines)
2.
Which patient outcome indicates therapeutic effectiveness of
lorazepam?
A. Increased alertness
B. Decreased anxiety
C. Increased appetite
D. Elevated blood pressure
Answer: B. Decreased anxiety
Rationale: Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety;
reduction in anxiety reflects effectiveness. Other options are
unrelated or incorrect.
Citation: Mosby’s (Lorazepam – Uses/Indications)
,3.
A patient taking diazepam reports drowsiness. What is the best
nursing response?
A. Discontinue the drug immediately
B. Reassure that this is an expected effect
C. Double the next dose
D. Administer a stimulant
Answer: B. Reassure that this is an expected effect
Rationale: Sedation is a common benzodiazepine effect. Abrupt
discontinuation can cause withdrawal.
Citation: Mosby’s (Diazepam – Adverse Effects)
4.
Which instruction is most important for a patient prescribed
lorazepam?
A. Take with antacids
B. Avoid alcohol
C. Increase salt intake
D. Take only at bedtime
Answer: B. Avoid alcohol
Rationale: Alcohol potentiates CNS depression, increasing risk
of respiratory depression and sedation.
Citation: Mosby’s (Lorazepam – Interactions)
, 5.
A patient is prescribed fluoxetine. When should the nurse
expect to see therapeutic effects?
A. Within hours
B. 1–2 days
C. 2–4 weeks
D. Immediately after first dose
Answer: C. 2–4 weeks
Rationale: SSRIs require several weeks to achieve full
antidepressant effects. Immediate effects are not expected.
Citation: Mosby’s (Fluoxetine – Onset)
6.
Which adverse effect is most concerning in a patient starting
sertraline?
A. Mild nausea
B. Dry mouth
C. Suicidal ideation
D. Headache
Answer: C. Suicidal ideation
Rationale: SSRIs carry a risk of increased suicidal thoughts,
especially early in therapy; requires immediate attention.
Citation: Mosby’s (Sertraline – Warnings/Precautions)
2nd Edition
Authors :
Linda Skidmore-Roth & Faith Richardson
Pharmacology Test Bank: CNS Drugs
(Sedatives, Benzodiazepines,
Antidepressants)
Source: Mosby’s Canadian Nursing Drug
Reference, 2nd Edition
Focus Drugs: Diazepam, Lorazepam, SSRIs
(Sertraline, Fluoxetine)
1.
,A nurse administers diazepam to a patient with acute anxiety.
Which assessment is the priority after administration?
A. Blood glucose
B. Respiratory rate
C. Bowel sounds
D. Urine output
Answer: B. Respiratory rate
Rationale: Diazepam causes CNS depression, including
respiratory depression, which is the priority safety concern.
Other options are not immediate risks.
Citation: Mosby’s Canadian Nursing Drug Reference (Diazepam
– Benzodiazepines)
2.
Which patient outcome indicates therapeutic effectiveness of
lorazepam?
A. Increased alertness
B. Decreased anxiety
C. Increased appetite
D. Elevated blood pressure
Answer: B. Decreased anxiety
Rationale: Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety;
reduction in anxiety reflects effectiveness. Other options are
unrelated or incorrect.
Citation: Mosby’s (Lorazepam – Uses/Indications)
,3.
A patient taking diazepam reports drowsiness. What is the best
nursing response?
A. Discontinue the drug immediately
B. Reassure that this is an expected effect
C. Double the next dose
D. Administer a stimulant
Answer: B. Reassure that this is an expected effect
Rationale: Sedation is a common benzodiazepine effect. Abrupt
discontinuation can cause withdrawal.
Citation: Mosby’s (Diazepam – Adverse Effects)
4.
Which instruction is most important for a patient prescribed
lorazepam?
A. Take with antacids
B. Avoid alcohol
C. Increase salt intake
D. Take only at bedtime
Answer: B. Avoid alcohol
Rationale: Alcohol potentiates CNS depression, increasing risk
of respiratory depression and sedation.
Citation: Mosby’s (Lorazepam – Interactions)
, 5.
A patient is prescribed fluoxetine. When should the nurse
expect to see therapeutic effects?
A. Within hours
B. 1–2 days
C. 2–4 weeks
D. Immediately after first dose
Answer: C. 2–4 weeks
Rationale: SSRIs require several weeks to achieve full
antidepressant effects. Immediate effects are not expected.
Citation: Mosby’s (Fluoxetine – Onset)
6.
Which adverse effect is most concerning in a patient starting
sertraline?
A. Mild nausea
B. Dry mouth
C. Suicidal ideation
D. Headache
Answer: C. Suicidal ideation
Rationale: SSRIs carry a risk of increased suicidal thoughts,
especially early in therapy; requires immediate attention.
Citation: Mosby’s (Sertraline – Warnings/Precautions)
