01
Written response
1 point
Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam enhance signaling at which receptor?
Free Practice Quiz Question List
1 Foundations of CNS Pharmacology Online Quiz Questions
Use this free practice quiz with 20 questions to review 1 Foundations of CNS Pharmacology, test your knowledge, and prepare for your next test or exam.
20 questions
02
Fill in the blank
1 point
A new rash while taking lamotrigine should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
03
True or false
1 point
Donepezil and memantine may help manage symptoms, but they cure Alzheimer disease.
- A
True
- B
False
04
Choose one
1 point
Which statement best distinguishes the common mechanisms of SSRIs and SNRIs?
- A
SSRIs reduce serotonin reuptake; SNRIs reduce serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake.
- B
SSRIs block dopamine receptors; SNRIs activate GABA receptors.
- C
SSRIs prevent acetylcholine breakdown; SNRIs block sodium channels.
- D
SSRIs and SNRIs directly replace depleted neurotransmitters.
05
Written response
1 point
Memantine acts at which type of receptor?
06
Fill in the blank
1 point
Regular benzodiazepine use can lead to physical , so abrupt discontinuation may cause withdrawal.
07
Choose all
1 point
Select all sound safety practices for a person starting a sedative-hypnotic.
- A
Avoid driving until the effects of a sedating medicine are known.
- B
Do not combine sedating medicines with alcohol or other sedatives unless specifically directed.
- C
Taking an extra dose is a safe way to compensate for missed sleep.
- D
All sedative-hypnotics can be stopped abruptly after regular long-term use.
08
Choose all
1 point
Select all statements supported about antiseizure medicines.
- A
Different antiseizure medicines can affect ion channels or neurotransmission.
- B
Some antiseizure medicines are used for conditions other than seizures.
- C
Stopping some antiseizure medicines suddenly can be dangerous.
- D
All antiseizure medicines act through the same receptor and cure epilepsy.
09
True or false
1 point
Once seizures are controlled, abruptly stopping an antiseizure medicine is always safe.
- A
True
- B
False
10
Open ended
1 point
Explain how carbidopa supports levodopa treatment for Parkinson disease, and state one important limitation of this treatment.
11
Choose one
1 point
A patient taking an opioid asks whether they can also take a prescribed benzodiazepine and drink alcohol. What is the best general safety response?
- A
Do not add alcohol, and consult the prescriber or pharmacist about combining the prescribed medicines.
- B
The combination is generally safe if taken at bedtime.
- C
Alcohol prevents opioid-related sedation.
- D
Taking the benzodiazepine first removes the interaction risk.
12
Choose one
1 point
Which statement best describes lithium's role in bipolar disorder?
- A
It is used to treat or prevent manic episodes in bipolar disorder, and safe use includes monitoring.
- B
It immediately treats every type of anxiety and insomnia.
- C
It is an antipsychotic that blocks only serotonin receptors.
- D
It is a sedative that can be taken as needed without monitoring.
13
True or false
1 point
Antipsychotics used for psychosis related to dementia in older adults carry an increased mortality warning.
- A
True
- B
False
14
Written response
1 point
In the brain, what neurotransmitter is levodopa converted into?
15
Choose one
1 point
A patient asks how an SSRI differs from an SNRI. Which explanation best describes their usual mechanisms?
- A
SSRIs reduce serotonin reuptake; SNRIs reduce serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake.
- B
SSRIs block dopamine receptors; SNRIs activate GABA receptors.
- C
SSRIs prevent acetylcholine breakdown; SNRIs block sodium channels.
- D
SSRIs and SNRIs directly replace depleted neurotransmitters.
16
Written response
1 point
At which receptor do benzodiazepines such as lorazepam enhance signaling?
17
Choose one
1 point
A clinician compares first- and second-generation antipsychotics. Which statement is most accurate?
- A
Many first-generation agents block dopamine D₂ receptors, while many second-generation agents also act at serotonin receptors.
- B
First-generation agents inhibit acetylcholinesterase, while second-generation agents activate GABA receptors.
- C
Both generations work only by blocking serotonin reuptake.
- D
Both generations treat dementia-related psychosis without additional risk.
18
Choose one
1 point
A patient with epilepsy assumes that all antiseizure medicines work identically and can be stopped once seizures improve. Which response best corrects that assumption?
- A
All antiseizure medicines act through the same receptor and cure epilepsy.
- B
Different antiseizure medicines can affect ion channels or neurotransmission; stopping some suddenly can be dangerous.
- C
Antiseizure medicines work only by increasing dopamine.
- D
Antiseizure medicines are used only for seizures and never for other conditions.
19
Choose one
1 point
A patient has just started a sedative-hypnotic and asks about driving and having an alcoholic drink. Which advice is safest?
- A
Sedating medicines can impair alertness; avoid driving until their effects are known and do not combine them with alcohol or other sedatives unless specifically directed.
- B
Medicines prescribed for sleep cannot cause dependence or impaired coordination.
- C
Taking extra doses is a safe way to compensate for missed sleep.
- D
All sedative-hypnotics can be stopped abruptly after regular long-term use.
20
Choose one
1 point
A patient taking lithium plans to start ibuprofen and has recently had reduced fluid intake. Which counseling best addresses safe use?
- A
Keep recommended laboratory appointments, maintain consistent fluid and salt intake as instructed, and check before starting medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
- B
Avoid all fluids while taking lithium.
- C
Laboratory monitoring is unnecessary once symptoms improve.
- D
Dehydration cannot affect lithium safety.
Related study packs and tools
- Flashcards
01 Foundations of Mental Health Practice
Review foundational concepts in mental health, recovery-oriented care, ethical practice, stigma reduction, and therapeutic relationships.
- Flashcards
1 Laboratory Values and Clinical Interpretation
Learn how to interpret laboratory results safely by considering testing quality, reference intervals, clinical context, trends, urgency, and follow-up.
- Study guide
2 Cardiovascular Medications
Understand how major cardiovascular medication groups are used, what risks and monitoring they require, and when urgent assessment takes priority over medication.
NCLEX-RN Cardiac NursingUpdated - Study guide
2 Diagnostic Tests and Procedures
Learn what common diagnostic tests measure, how to prepare patients and collect specimens safely, and how to interpret and respond to results in clinical context.
- Flashcards
3 Cardiac Arrhythmias
Review ECG rhythm interpretation, common bradyarrhythmias and tachyarrhythmias, and their initial management.
NCLEX-RN Cardiac NursingUpdated - Study guide
3 Cardiac Arrhythmias
Learn how to assess patients with cardiac arrhythmias, interpret key ECG patterns, and select initial responses based on pulse and hemodynamic stability.
NCLEX-RN Cardiac NursingUpdated - Quiz
4 Electrolyte Imbalances
A medium-difficulty quiz on interpreting electrolyte abnormalities, recognizing clinical risks, and applying safe assessment and correction principles.
- Study guide
5 Myocardial Infarction and Acute Coronary Syndromes
Learn how acute coronary syndromes are recognized, assessed, treated, and followed up, including emergency responses and major complications.
NCLEX-RN Cardiac NursingUpdated - Quiz
6 Cardiac Emergencies
A medium-difficulty quiz on recognizing and responding to adult cardiac emergencies.
NCLEX-RN Cardiac NursingUpdated - Study guide
6 Perioperative Monitoring and Safety
Learn how monitoring and safety practices support patients before, during, and after surgery, and how teams recognize and respond to changes.
- Quiz
06 Treatment Approaches in Mental Health
A medium-difficulty quiz on planning and adapting mental health treatment, psychotherapy, medication, and collaborative care.
- Study guide
08 Psychotic and Trauma-Related Disorders
Learn how psychotic and trauma- and stressor-related symptoms are assessed, how key diagnoses differ, and how safety-focused, respectful care can support people experiencing them.