,UTA NURS 3365 Exam 4 | Pharmacology in
Nursing Practice (2026) Q&A
1. Which statement accurately describes the mechanism of action of
benzodiazepines?
A) They increase GABA activity, producing sedation, anxiety reduction,
and muscle relaxation
B) They block dopamine receptors in the brain
C) They inhibit serotonin reuptake in the synapse
D) They block sodium channels in neuronal membranes
Correct Answer: They increase GABA activity, producing sedation,
anxiety reduction, and muscle relaxation
Rationale: Benzodiazepines enhance the inhibitory effect of GABA at
the GABA-A receptor, increasing chloride influx and hyperpolarizing
neurons. This produces sedation, anxiolysis, muscle relaxation, and
anticonvulsant effects.
2. What is the antidote for benzodiazepine overdose?
A) Naloxone
B) Flumazenil
C) Acetylcysteine
D) Protamine sulfate
Correct Answer: Flumazenil
Rationale: Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist that
reverses the sedative effects of benzodiazepines. However, it is used
cautiously because it can precipitate seizures in patients with
benzodiazepine dependence.
,3. Which benzodiazepine is commonly used for short-term treatment of
insomnia?
A) Diazepam
B) Temazepam
C) Clonazepam
D) Alprazolam
Correct Answer: Temazepam
Rationale: Temazepam is an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine
commonly prescribed for short-term management of insomnia. It has a
relatively rapid onset and a duration that covers a typical sleep cycle.
4. A patient taking lithium should be educated to maintain which daily
fluid intake?
A) 1 liter
B) 2 to 3 liters
C) 500 mL
D) 4 to 5 liters
Correct Answer: 2 to 3 liters
Rationale: Adequate hydration is essential during lithium therapy to
maintain therapeutic levels and prevent toxicity. Patients should drink 2 to
3 liters of fluid daily during initiation and 1.5 to 2 liters once stabilized.
5. Which adverse effect is most concerning with lithium therapy?
A) Lithium toxicity
B) Hypertension
, C) Bradycardia
D) Dry cough
Correct Answer: Lithium toxicity
Rationale: Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index (0.6-1.2 mEq/L).
Toxicity can occur with dehydration, drug interactions, or renal
impairment. Signs include coarse hand tremor, vomiting, and confusion.
6. What is the therapeutic range for lithium?
A) 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L
B) 2 to 4 mEq/L
C) 5 to 10 mEq/L
D) 10 to 20 mEq/L
Correct Answer: 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L
Rationale: The therapeutic serum lithium range is 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L for
maintenance therapy. Levels above 1.5 mEq/L are considered toxic and
require immediate intervention.
7. Which herbal supplement should patients taking fluoxetine avoid?
A) St. John's wort
B) Ginkgo biloba
C) Echinacea
D) Milk thistle
Correct Answer: St. John's wort
Nursing Practice (2026) Q&A
1. Which statement accurately describes the mechanism of action of
benzodiazepines?
A) They increase GABA activity, producing sedation, anxiety reduction,
and muscle relaxation
B) They block dopamine receptors in the brain
C) They inhibit serotonin reuptake in the synapse
D) They block sodium channels in neuronal membranes
Correct Answer: They increase GABA activity, producing sedation,
anxiety reduction, and muscle relaxation
Rationale: Benzodiazepines enhance the inhibitory effect of GABA at
the GABA-A receptor, increasing chloride influx and hyperpolarizing
neurons. This produces sedation, anxiolysis, muscle relaxation, and
anticonvulsant effects.
2. What is the antidote for benzodiazepine overdose?
A) Naloxone
B) Flumazenil
C) Acetylcysteine
D) Protamine sulfate
Correct Answer: Flumazenil
Rationale: Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist that
reverses the sedative effects of benzodiazepines. However, it is used
cautiously because it can precipitate seizures in patients with
benzodiazepine dependence.
,3. Which benzodiazepine is commonly used for short-term treatment of
insomnia?
A) Diazepam
B) Temazepam
C) Clonazepam
D) Alprazolam
Correct Answer: Temazepam
Rationale: Temazepam is an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine
commonly prescribed for short-term management of insomnia. It has a
relatively rapid onset and a duration that covers a typical sleep cycle.
4. A patient taking lithium should be educated to maintain which daily
fluid intake?
A) 1 liter
B) 2 to 3 liters
C) 500 mL
D) 4 to 5 liters
Correct Answer: 2 to 3 liters
Rationale: Adequate hydration is essential during lithium therapy to
maintain therapeutic levels and prevent toxicity. Patients should drink 2 to
3 liters of fluid daily during initiation and 1.5 to 2 liters once stabilized.
5. Which adverse effect is most concerning with lithium therapy?
A) Lithium toxicity
B) Hypertension
, C) Bradycardia
D) Dry cough
Correct Answer: Lithium toxicity
Rationale: Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index (0.6-1.2 mEq/L).
Toxicity can occur with dehydration, drug interactions, or renal
impairment. Signs include coarse hand tremor, vomiting, and confusion.
6. What is the therapeutic range for lithium?
A) 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L
B) 2 to 4 mEq/L
C) 5 to 10 mEq/L
D) 10 to 20 mEq/L
Correct Answer: 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L
Rationale: The therapeutic serum lithium range is 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L for
maintenance therapy. Levels above 1.5 mEq/L are considered toxic and
require immediate intervention.
7. Which herbal supplement should patients taking fluoxetine avoid?
A) St. John's wort
B) Ginkgo biloba
C) Echinacea
D) Milk thistle
Correct Answer: St. John's wort
