NBSTSA Surgical Pharmacology & Anesthesia 4

Question 1

Which neuromuscular blocking agent is classified as a depolarizing agent?

Accepted Answer

Succinylcholine

Answer

Succinylcholine is the only clinically used depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent, mimicking acetylcholine to cause sustained muscle depolarization.

Question 2

A patient undergoing general anesthesia develops sudden hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, and tachycardia. Which drug should be administered immediately?

Accepted Answer

Dantrolene

Answer

Dantrolene is the specific treatment for malignant hyperthermia, a life-threatening condition triggered by volatile anesthetics or succinylcholine.

Question 3

Which local anesthetic classification includes bupivacaine?

Accepted Answer

Amide

Answer

Bupivacaine is an amide-type local anesthetic, metabolized by the liver, with a longer duration of action than most esters.

Question 4

The surgical technologist notices the surgeon requests epinephrine added to a local anesthetic solution. What is the primary purpose of this addition?

Accepted Answer

To prolong anesthesia duration and reduce bleeding

Answer

Epinephrine causes vasoconstriction at the injection site, slowing systemic absorption of the local anesthetic and prolonging its duration while reducing local bleeding.

Question 5

Which reversal agent is used to antagonize the effects of benzodiazepines administered during anesthesia?

Accepted Answer

Flumazenil

Answer

Flumazenil is a competitive benzodiazepine antagonist at GABA receptors, used to reverse sedation caused by benzodiazepines such as midazolam.

NBSTSA - National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting Practice Test

NBSTSA - National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting Practice Test

NBSTSA Surgical Pharmacology & Anesthesia 4