NUR 334: Pharmacology Exam 2 questions and answers A+
Grade 2026\2027
Excessive apprehensiveness about real or perceived threats
-Situational
-Generalized
-Panic Disorder
-Phobias
-Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
-Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- correct answer Anxiety
CNS depressants used to treat anxiety & sleep disorders categorized in four classes:
1. Antidepressants
2. Benzodiazepines
3. Nonbenzodiazepine anxiolytics
4. Barbiturates
- correct answer Treating Anxiety & Insomnia w/ CNS Agents
A continuum ranging from relaxation, to sedation, to the induction of sleep, and anesthesia.
- correct answer CNS Depression
CNS depressants are sometimes called:
Sedatives- due to their ability to sedate or relax a client.
Hypnotics- b/c of their ability to induce sleep.
Sedative- hypnotics: due to calming effect at lower doses & sleep at higher doses.
***Most CNS depressants can cause physical & psychological dependence.
- correct answer Sedative & Hypnotics: Names
,-Neurotransmitter that blocks signals in CNS to slow it down & produce a calming effect.
-Controls nerve cell hyperactivity
-Seizures, epilepsy, anxiety, stress, fear, nerve pain.
- correct answer GABA: Gamma aminobutyric acid
Prototype drug: lorazepam (Ativan)
Examples: alprazolam, midazolam, diazepam
Mechanism of action: binds to GABA receptors, which intensifies GABA effects.
Primary use: anxiety disorders & insomnia (short-term)
Adverse effects: drowsiness, dizziness, & respiratory depression
Indications:
-seizure disorders, alcohol withdrawal
-central muscle relaxation
-induction agents in anesthesia
- correct answer Benzodiazepines: lorazepam
-Stage of drowsiness
-5- 10 min
-Easily awakened
- correct answer Insomnia: NREM Stage 1
-Light sleep
-Heart rate slows
-Body temp. drops
- correct answer Insomnia: NREM Stage 2
-Deepest stage
-Pt. harder to wake up
-Disoriented for a brief time
- correct answer Insomnia: NREM Stage 3
, -Eye movement & loss of muscle tone
-Dreaming occurs
-Mind is very active
-Resembles a normal stage
- correct answer Insomnia: REM
Prototype drug: zolpidem (Ambien)
Mechanism of action: binds to GABA receptors, preserves stage 3 sleep
Primary use: hypnotic, works within 30 min, ensure at least 8 hours for sleep
Adverse effects: mild nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, amnesia, sleep walking, & eating while sleeping. NOT
SAFE FOR PREGNANCY. Can cause hallucinations & sensory distortion.
- correct answer Sedative-Hypnotics: zolpidem
Assess: intensity & duration of symptoms
Identify: precipitating factors
Identify: Coping mechanisms
Assess: Sleep disorder
Use: Alcohol & other CNS depressants
Drug: Drug abuse & dependence
Use Caution: older adults, suicidal potential, impaired renal or live function
- correct answer Role of the Nurse: Anxiety
-Sad or despondent mood
-Associated symptoms: lack of energy, sleep disturbances, guilt, hopelessness.
-MDD: depressed affect + 5 other symptoms for a min. of 2 weeks.
-Postpartum: intense mood changes associated w/ hormonal changes
-
- correct answer Depression
Grade 2026\2027
Excessive apprehensiveness about real or perceived threats
-Situational
-Generalized
-Panic Disorder
-Phobias
-Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
-Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- correct answer Anxiety
CNS depressants used to treat anxiety & sleep disorders categorized in four classes:
1. Antidepressants
2. Benzodiazepines
3. Nonbenzodiazepine anxiolytics
4. Barbiturates
- correct answer Treating Anxiety & Insomnia w/ CNS Agents
A continuum ranging from relaxation, to sedation, to the induction of sleep, and anesthesia.
- correct answer CNS Depression
CNS depressants are sometimes called:
Sedatives- due to their ability to sedate or relax a client.
Hypnotics- b/c of their ability to induce sleep.
Sedative- hypnotics: due to calming effect at lower doses & sleep at higher doses.
***Most CNS depressants can cause physical & psychological dependence.
- correct answer Sedative & Hypnotics: Names
,-Neurotransmitter that blocks signals in CNS to slow it down & produce a calming effect.
-Controls nerve cell hyperactivity
-Seizures, epilepsy, anxiety, stress, fear, nerve pain.
- correct answer GABA: Gamma aminobutyric acid
Prototype drug: lorazepam (Ativan)
Examples: alprazolam, midazolam, diazepam
Mechanism of action: binds to GABA receptors, which intensifies GABA effects.
Primary use: anxiety disorders & insomnia (short-term)
Adverse effects: drowsiness, dizziness, & respiratory depression
Indications:
-seizure disorders, alcohol withdrawal
-central muscle relaxation
-induction agents in anesthesia
- correct answer Benzodiazepines: lorazepam
-Stage of drowsiness
-5- 10 min
-Easily awakened
- correct answer Insomnia: NREM Stage 1
-Light sleep
-Heart rate slows
-Body temp. drops
- correct answer Insomnia: NREM Stage 2
-Deepest stage
-Pt. harder to wake up
-Disoriented for a brief time
- correct answer Insomnia: NREM Stage 3
, -Eye movement & loss of muscle tone
-Dreaming occurs
-Mind is very active
-Resembles a normal stage
- correct answer Insomnia: REM
Prototype drug: zolpidem (Ambien)
Mechanism of action: binds to GABA receptors, preserves stage 3 sleep
Primary use: hypnotic, works within 30 min, ensure at least 8 hours for sleep
Adverse effects: mild nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, amnesia, sleep walking, & eating while sleeping. NOT
SAFE FOR PREGNANCY. Can cause hallucinations & sensory distortion.
- correct answer Sedative-Hypnotics: zolpidem
Assess: intensity & duration of symptoms
Identify: precipitating factors
Identify: Coping mechanisms
Assess: Sleep disorder
Use: Alcohol & other CNS depressants
Drug: Drug abuse & dependence
Use Caution: older adults, suicidal potential, impaired renal or live function
- correct answer Role of the Nurse: Anxiety
-Sad or despondent mood
-Associated symptoms: lack of energy, sleep disturbances, guilt, hopelessness.
-MDD: depressed affect + 5 other symptoms for a min. of 2 weeks.
-Postpartum: intense mood changes associated w/ hormonal changes
-
- correct answer Depression
