ADV. PHARMACOLOGY FINAL
6521 EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2024/2025
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) - ANS >>A rare and sometimes fatal reaction to high-potency
neuroleptic drugs. Symptoms include muscle rigidity, fever, and elevated white blood cell count. It is
thought to result from dopamine blockage at the basal ganglia and hypothalamus.
Treatment: support body through withdrawal.
Chlorpromazine (Thorazine) - ANS >>- Chlorpromazine is used to treat psychotic disorders such as
schizophrenia or manic-depression, and severe behavioral problems in children ages 1 through 12.
Chlorpromazine is also used to treat nausea and vomiting, anxiety before surgery, chronic hiccups, acute
intermittent porphyria, and symptoms of tetanus.
S/E:
- This medication can cause photophobic skin reactions and damage to the retina of the eye if exposed
to direct sunlight. PTs taking this should be reminded to wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen and
wear sunglasses when they are outside.
sedation, orthostatic hypotension, anticholinergic effects.
Methotrexate (Rheumatrex) - ANS >>It can treat cancer of the blood, bone, lung, breast, head, and neck.
It can also treat rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.
Clozapine (Clozaril) - ANS >>Second Generation (Atypical) Antipsychotic
low affinity to D2 dopamine receptors
treats schizophrenia and suicidal behavior. Not many EPSs.
S/E weight gain, orthostatic hypotension, sedation, cholinergic, urinary retention, constipation,
tachycardia.
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, ADV. PHARMACOLOGY
extrapyramidal symptoms - ANS >>side effects of antipsychotic medications that affect a person's gait,
movement, or posture
Usually caused by high potency first gen. antipsychotics
Also referred to as EPS
Acute Dystonia: occurs within first few days of therapy. Severe spasm of the muscles of tongue, face,
neck and back.
Parkinsonism: bradykinesia, mask-like facies, drooling, tremor, rigidity, shuffling gait, stooped posture.
Akathisia: pacing and squirming, need to move uncontrollably. develops in first 2 months of treatment.
Tardive Dyskinesia: occurs with long-term therapy. Involuntary choreoathetoid movements of the tongue
and face.
Haloperidol (Haldol) - ANS >>An antipsychotic drug thought to block receptor sites for dopamine, making
it effective in treating the delusional thinking, hallucinations and agitation commonly associated with
schizophrenia.
-Preferred treatment for Tourette syndrome.
-Hepatic metabolism, excreted in urine.
-early extrapyramidal reactions occur frequently. Long Q-T .
antipsychotic medications - ANS >>Prescription drugs that are used to reduce psychotic symptoms;
frequently used in the treatment of schizophrenia; also called neuroleptics.
Block dopamine, acetylcholine, histamine, and norepinephrine receptors in the brain and periphery.
Acute and chronic psychosis, schizophrenia, manic phase of bipolar disorders, Tourette's syndrome,
delusional and schizoaffective disorders, dementia. Conventional (typical) or atypical.
Patient education: s/s of orthostatic hypotension - move slowly when standing up. Sedation - avoid
hazardous activities such as driving until sedation wears off.
Impaires libido and erection / ejaculation
*avoid anticholinergic drugs, barbiturates, benzos and alcohol.
Olanzapine (Zyprexa) - ANS >>antipsychotic (atypical), mood stabilizer, thienobenzodiazepine
antagonizes dopamine and seratonin type 2 in the CNSalso has antocholinergic, antihistiminic, and anti
alpha1 adernergic effects
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