Question 1

Which of the following is NOT classified as an anxiety disorder according to the DSM-5 criteria?

Accepted Answer

Major depressive disorder (MDD)

Question 2

The limbic system is primarily responsible for which of the following functions?

Accepted Answer

Emotional responses, learning, and memory

Question 3

A patient presents with symptoms of anxiety and insomnia. Which brain structure is most directly responsible for unconscious responses and connects with the reticular formation?

Accepted Answer

Hypothalamus

Question 4

Stimulation of the reticular formation results in which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Heightened awareness and arousal

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the function of the reticular activating system (RAS)?

Accepted Answer

Responsible for sleeping and wakefulness

Question 6

A patient is prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for anxiety. What is the primary mechanism of action of SSRIs?

Accepted Answer

Increased availability of serotonin at postsynaptic receptor sites

Question 7

Which of the following medications is a benzodiazepine used for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia?

Accepted Answer

Lorazepam

Question 8

A nurse is monitoring a patient who is taking lorazepam. Which adverse effect should the nurse be most concerned about if the patient receives a high IV dose?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory depression

Question 9

Which of the following statements about barbiturates is correct?

Accepted Answer

They are rarely prescribed for anxiety or insomnia due to their high risk of dependence and severe side effects.

Question 10

A patient abruptly stops taking a sedative-hypnotic after long-term use and experiences rebound insomnia. What is the most likely cause of this phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Discontinuation of long-used sedative-hypnotic medication

Question 11

Which of the following is a key nursing assessment prior to administering antianxiety or insomnia drugs?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining vital signs, medical and drug history

Question 12

A patient taking escitalopram (Lexapro) should be monitored for which serious adverse effect, especially in children and adolescents?

Accepted Answer

Suicidal thinking and behavior

Question 13

Which of the following is a contraindication for the use of lorazepam?

Accepted Answer

Acute narrow-angle glaucoma

Question 14

A patient is prescribed zolpidem (Ambien) for short-term insomnia. Which of the following is a unique adverse effect associated with this medication?

Accepted Answer

Sleepwalking and nocturnal eating

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why benzodiazepines are preferred over barbiturates for the short-term treatment of insomnia caused by anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines have a greater margin of safety and lower risk of dependence.

Question 16

A patient is taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) for depression. Which dietary instruction is most important to prevent a hypertensive crisis?

Accepted Answer

Avoid foods containing tyramine

Question 17

Which of the following equations best represents the relationship between drug plasma concentration ($$C$$), dose administered ($$D$$), and volume of distribution ($$V_d$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$C = \frac{D}{V_d}$$

Question 18

A patient is prescribed both escitalopram and an MAOI. What is the most serious risk associated with this drug combination?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin syndrome

Question 19

Which of the following is a common adverse effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?

Accepted Answer

Weight gain and sexual dysfunction

Question 20

A patient is being treated for insomnia. Which sleep stage is most associated with dreaming and a brain wave pattern similar to wakefulness?

Accepted Answer

REM sleep

Drugs for Anxiety and Insomnia: Neurobiology and Pharmacotherapy

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards