C H A P T E R 2 0
Anxiolytic and hypnotic agents
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3.
Barbiturates cause liver enzyme induction, which
could lead to:
a.
rapid metabolism and loss of effectiveness of
other drugs metabolised by those enzymes.
b.
increased bile production.
c.
CNS depression.
d.
the need to periodically lower the barbiturate
dose to avoid toxicity.
4.
A person who could benefit from an anxiolytic drug
for short-term treatment of insomnia would not be
prescribed:
a.
zolpidem.
b.
chloral hydrate.
c.
buspirone.
d.
zopiclone.
5.
Anxiolytic drugs block the awareness of and
reaction to the environment. This effect would not
be beneficial:
a.
to relieve extreme fear.
b.
to moderate anxiety related to unknown causes.
c.
in treating a person who must drive a vehicle for
a living.
d.
in treating a person who is experiencing a stress
reaction.
6.
Mr Jones is the chief executive officer of a large
company and has been experiencing acute anxiety
attacks. His physical examination was normal and
he was diagnosed with anxiety. Considering his
occupation and his need to be alert and present
to large groups on a regular basis, the following
anxiolytic would be a drug of choice for Mr Jones:
a.
phenobarbitone.
b.
diazepam.
c.
oxazepam.
d.
buspirone.
7.
The benzodiazepines react with:
a.
GABA-receptor sites in the RAS to cause
inhibition of neural arousal.
b.
noradrenaline-receptor sites in the sympathetic
nervous system.
c.
acetylcholine-receptor sites in the
parasympathetic nervous system.
d.
monoamine oxidase to increase noradrenaline
breakdown.
8.
A child is prescribed phenobarbitone preoperatively
to relieve anxiety and produce sedation. After giving
the injection, you should assess the child for:
a.
acute Stevens–Johnson syndrome.
b.
bone marrow depression.
c.
paradoxical excitement.
d.
withdrawal syndrome.
MULTIPLE RESPONSE
Select all that apply.
1.
In assessing a person who is experiencing anxiety,
the nurse or midwife would expect to find which of
the following?
a.
rapid breathing
b.
rapid heart rate
c.
fear and apprehension
d.
constricted pupils
e.
decreased abdominal sounds
f.
hypotension
2.
A woman has a long history of anxiety and has
always responded well to diazepam. She has just
learned that she is pregnant and feels very anxious.
She would like a prescription for diazepam to get her
through her early anxiety. What rationale would the
nurse or midwife use in explaining why this is not
recommended?
a.
This drug is known to cause a predictable
syndrome of birth defects, including cleft lip and
pyloric stenosis.
b.
Babies born to mothers taking benzodiazepines
may progress through a neonatal withdrawal
syndrome.
c.
Cardiac defects and small brain development may
occur if this drug is taken in the first trimester.
d.
This drug almost always causes loss of the
pregnancy.
e.
The hormones the body produces during
pregnancy will make you unresponsive to
diazepam.
f.
This drug could have adverse effects on your
baby; we should explore non-drug measures to
help you deal with the anxiety.
