Chapter 28: Drug Therapy for Insomnia

Chapter 28: Drug Therapy for Insomnia

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

BASIC CONCEPTS

 

1. Which drug for insomnia can cause amnesia?

a.	Amitriptyline (Elavil)
b.	Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
c.	Temazepam (Restoril)
d.	Trazodone (Desyrel)

 

 

ANS:  C

Temazepam is a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist that works by causing a general depression of the central nervous system, including the areas that process new or immediate information. As a result, the patient may have amnesia for events that occur while he or she is under the influence of this drug.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Remembering        REF:   p. 452

 

2. Which problems are the two most common side effects of drugs for insomnia?

a.	Increased bleeding and reduced sense of taste
b.	Inability to fall asleep and stay asleep
c.	Dry mouth and drowsiness
d.	Hiccoughs and diarrhea

 

 

ANS:  C

The drugs for insomnia are sedating and do not cause insomnia. They do not interfere with blood clotting or the sense of taste. The most common side effects for drugs that induce sleep are dry mouth and drowsiness. Although hiccoughs and diarrhea may occur, these are rare.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Remembering        REF:   p. 452

 

3. In which drug category for insomnia does zaleplon (Sonata) belong?

a.	Antihistamines
b.	Benzodiazepines
c.	Sedating antidepressants
d.	Benzodiazepine receptor agonists

 

 

ANS:  D

Zaleplon induces sleep by binding to benzodiazepine receptors and enhancing (stimulating) the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA (gamma amino butyric acid). Therefore this drug belongs to the benzodiazepine receptor agonist class.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Remembering        REF:   pp. 451-452

 

4. Which drug can increase the risk for seizures in a patient who has epilepsy?

a.	Pentobarbital (Nembutal)
b.	Romazicon (Flumazenil)
c.	Secobarbital (Seconal)
d.	Triazolam (Halcion)

 

 

ANS:  B

Pentobarbital and secobarbital are barbiturates that can raise the seizure threshold and prevent seizures. Triazolam is a benzodiazepine that can reduce seizures. Romazicon is a reversal agent for a benzodiazepine overdose and can lower the seizure threshold in an individual who has epilepsy.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Remembering        REF:   p. 451

 

5. Which class of drugs used to treat insomnia has the lowest likelihood to be habit forming or addictive?

a.	Barbiturates
b.	Benzodiazepines
c.	Sedating antidepressants
d.	Benzodiazepine receptor agonists

 

 

ANS:  D

Although all drugs used to treat insomnia have the potential to be abused, addictive, or habit-forming, the class with the lowest likelihood for these problems is the benzodiazepine receptor agonists. This is the main reason why they are the first-line drugs to treat insomnia.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Remembering        REF:   p. 451