Escitalopram (Lexapro) belongs to which class of medications?

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Betablockers

Benzodiazepines

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are not the correct class of medications to which escitalopram (Lexapro) belongs. MAOIs are a group of antidepressants that work by inhibiting the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which breaks down neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. MAOIs can increase the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain and improve mood and energy. However, MAOIs can also cause serious side effects and interactions with other drugs and foods, and they are not commonly used as firstline treatment for depression. Escitalopram is not an MAOI, and it should not be taken with MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping or starting MAOIs, as this can cause a dangerous drug interaction called serotonin syndrome.

Choice B reason: Betablockers are not the correct class of medications to which escitalopram (Lexapro) belongs. Betablockers are a group of drugs that work by blocking the beta receptors on the heart and blood vessels, which are stimulated by adrenaline and noradrenaline. Betablockers can lower the heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac output, and they are used to treat conditions such as hypertension, angina, arrhythmias, and heart failure. Betablockers can also reduce anxiety and tremors, but they are not antidepressants and they do not affect serotonin levels. Escitalopram is not a betablocker, and it does not have any significant effect on the cardiovascular system.

Choice C reason: Benzodiazepines are not the correct class of medications to which escitalopram (Lexapro) belongs. Benzodiazepines are a group of drugs that work by enhancing the activity of the neurotransmitter gammaaminobutyric acid (GABA), which has a calming and sedating effect on the brain. Benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and muscle spasms, and they can also cause relaxation, drowsiness, and amnesia. Benzodiazepines are not antidepressants and they do not affect serotonin levels. Escitalopram is not a benzodiazepine, and it does not have any significant effect on GABA receptors .

Choice D reason: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the correct class of medications to which escitalopram (Lexapro) belongs. SSRIs are a group of antidepressants that work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin by the nerve cells, which increases the availability of serotonin in the synaptic cleft. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, sleep, and cognition, and low levels of serotonin are associated with depression and anxiety. SSRIs can improve the symptoms of depression and anxiety by enhancing the serotonin signaling in the brain. Escitalopram is an SSRI, and it is used to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A","D"]

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is correct. Dry mouth is a common side effect of anticholinergic drugs. It occurs because anticholinergic drugs block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates the secretion of saliva and other fluids in the body. Dry mouth can cause discomfort, bad breath, and increased risk of dental problems¹.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Constricted bronchioles are not a side effect of anticholinergic drugs. In fact, anticholinergic drugs can cause the opposite effect: dilated bronchioles. This is because anticholinergic drugs block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that causes the smooth muscles of the airways to contract. Dilated bronchioles can improve breathing and reduce wheezing in people with respiratory disorders, such as asthma or COPD.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Increased heart rate is not a side effect of anticholinergic drugs. In fact, anticholinergic drugs can cause the opposite effect: decreased heart rate. This is because anticholinergic drugs block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that slows down the heart rate and lowers the blood pressure. Decreased heart rate can be beneficial for people with certain heart conditions, such as atrial fibrillation or tachycardia.

Choice D reason: This is correct. Dilated pupils are a common side effect of anticholinergic drugs. It occurs because anticholinergic drugs block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that controls the muscles of the iris, which regulate the size of the pupils. Dilated pupils can cause blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and difficulty focusing.

A. The initial phase of drug distribution B. The rapid absorption of a drug in the intestine C. The initial rapid excretion of a drug through the urinary system D. The metabolism of a drug before it reaches the systemic circulation

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: The initial phase of drug distribution is not the correct definition of the term 'first pass effect'. Drug distribution is the process by which a drug moves from the bloodstream to the tissues and organs of the body. The initial phase of drug distribution is influenced by factors such as blood flow, tissue permeability, plasma protein binding, and tissue binding. The first pass effect is not related to drug distribution, but to drug metabolism, which is the chemical transformation of a drug in the body.

Choice B reason: The rapid absorption of a drug in the intestine is not the correct definition of the term 'first pass effect'. Drug absorption is the process by which a drug enters the bloodstream from the site of administration. The rapid absorption of a drug in the intestine depends on factors such as the drug formulation, the pH of the gastrointestinal tract, the presence of food or other drugs, and the surface area and motility of the intestine. The first pass effect is not related to drug absorption, but to drug metabolism, which is the chemical transformation of a drug in the body.

Choice C reason: The initial rapid excretion of a drug through the urinary system is not the correct definition of the term 'first pass effect'. Drug excretion is the process by which a drug or its metabolites are eliminated from the body. The initial rapid excretion of a drug through the urinary system is influenced by factors such as the renal blood flow, the glomerular filtration rate, the tubular secretion and reabsorption, and the urine pH. The first pass effect is not related to drug excretion, but to drug metabolism, which is the chemical transformation of a drug in the body.

Choice D reason: The metabolism of a drug before it reaches the systemic circulation is the correct definition of the term 'first pass effect'. Drug metabolism is the process by which a drug is chemically transformed in the body, usually by enzymes in the liver or other tissues. The first pass effect is a phenomenon of drug metabolism that occurs when a drug is administered orally and passes through the gastrointestinal tract and the liver before reaching the systemic circulation. The first pass effect can reduce the bioavailability and the effectiveness of the drug, as some or most of the drug may be metabolized and inactivated before reaching the site of action.

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Escitalopram (Lexapro) belongs to which class of medications?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse understands that an anticholinergic drug will produce which of the following effects?

Correct Answer is ["A","D"]

Explanation

What does the term 'first pass effect' refer to?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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