CNS Drug Classes
This CNS drug class is commonly used to treat anxiety and includes medications like lorazepam.
Benzodiazepines
Which system is responsible for the "rest and digest" response?
Parasympathetic
How do cholinergic drugs affect the parasympathetic system?
They stimulate it by mimicking acetylcholine.
A common side effect of opioids that requires patient education.
Constipation, Nausea, Dizziness
What medication should be given to reverse opioid overdose?
Naloxone (Narcan)
This CNS drug class is most commonly used to treat ADHD.
Stimulants
Pupil dilation is a response of which system?
Sympathetic
How do Beta-blockers (Adrenergic Antagonists) work to lower blood pressure?
They block beta-adrenergic receptors to reduce heart rate and contractility. (Producing Rest and Digest)
What is a serious adverse effect of CNS stimulants?
Increased heart rate and hypertension
A patient with Parkinson’s disease is prescribed levodopa. What is its primary function?
Increase dopamine levels in the brain
SSRIs like fluoxetine are used to treat which mental health condition?
Depression
Beta-agonists, such as albuterol, stimulate which nervous system?
Sympathetic
What type of receptors do benzodiazepines work on in the CNS?
GABA receptors - which help slow down brain activity and make you feel more relaxed
Anticholinergic drugs may cause what common side effects?
Dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention
A patient taking an SSRi is instructed to take their medication every morning. Why?
What CNS depressant is commonly used for seizure disorders?
Anticonvulsants
What effect does the parasympathetic system have on heart rate?
Decreases heart rate
What role does acetylcholine play in relation to how ANS medications work?
Some ANS medications work by either increasing or blocking acetylcholine to change how these body systems respond
What should be monitored when a patient is taking beta-blockers?
Blood pressure and heart rate
A patient is experiencing delusions, hallucinations, lack of insights and changes to their mood/affect. What will they likely be diagnosed with?
Psychosis
Opioid analgesics target which type of receptor in the CNS?
Opioid receptors (mu, kappa, delta)
What physiological response occurs when the sympathetic system is activated?
Increased heart rate, dilated pupils, bronchodilation
How do SSRIs increase serotonin levels in the brain?
By keeping more serotonin in the brain, which can improve mood. They do this by stopping the brain from taking serotonin back too quickly.
Which CNS medication class requires close monitoring due to the risk of serotonin syndrome?
SSRIs
The nurse knows that _____________ is a synthetic opioid agonist.
Fentanyl