Comprehensive Nervous System and
Pharmacology Exam
1. What is the function of myelin?
ANSWER: Myelin insulates nerve fibers, increasing the speed of action potentials and
facilitating efficient neurotransmission.
2. What is the difference between the autonomic and somatic nervous systems?
ANSWER: The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary bodily functions, while the
somatic nervous system governs voluntary movements.
3. What properties allow some drugs to cross the blood-brain barrier?
ANSWER: Drugs that are small, lipophilic, or utilize specific transport mechanisms can
cross the blood-brain barrier.
4. What are common neurotransmitters in the CNS and their main functions?
ANSWER: Common neurotransmitters include dopamine (mood regulation), serotonin
(sleep and mood), and norepinephrine (alertness and arousal).
5. How do drugs affect neurotransmitter activity?
ANSWER: Drugs can enhance, inhibit, or mimic neurotransmitter activity, altering
communication between neurons.
Diazepam
6. What condition is Diazepam likely to treat?
ANSWER: Diazepam is commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, and
seizures.
7. What assessment findings indicate Diazepam is effective?
ANSWER: Effective treatment may be indicated by reduced anxiety, muscle relaxation, or
seizure control.
8. What assessment findings indicate Diazepam is not effective?
ANSWER: Ineffectiveness may be indicated by persistent anxiety, muscle tension, or
seizure activity.
9. What labs might be monitored for patients on Diazepam?
ANSWER: Liver function tests may be monitored due to potential hepatic metabolism.
Pharmacology Exam
1. What is the function of myelin?
ANSWER: Myelin insulates nerve fibers, increasing the speed of action potentials and
facilitating efficient neurotransmission.
2. What is the difference between the autonomic and somatic nervous systems?
ANSWER: The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary bodily functions, while the
somatic nervous system governs voluntary movements.
3. What properties allow some drugs to cross the blood-brain barrier?
ANSWER: Drugs that are small, lipophilic, or utilize specific transport mechanisms can
cross the blood-brain barrier.
4. What are common neurotransmitters in the CNS and their main functions?
ANSWER: Common neurotransmitters include dopamine (mood regulation), serotonin
(sleep and mood), and norepinephrine (alertness and arousal).
5. How do drugs affect neurotransmitter activity?
ANSWER: Drugs can enhance, inhibit, or mimic neurotransmitter activity, altering
communication between neurons.
Diazepam
6. What condition is Diazepam likely to treat?
ANSWER: Diazepam is commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, and
seizures.
7. What assessment findings indicate Diazepam is effective?
ANSWER: Effective treatment may be indicated by reduced anxiety, muscle relaxation, or
seizure control.
8. What assessment findings indicate Diazepam is not effective?
ANSWER: Ineffectiveness may be indicated by persistent anxiety, muscle tension, or
seizure activity.
9. What labs might be monitored for patients on Diazepam?
ANSWER: Liver function tests may be monitored due to potential hepatic metabolism.
