CNS drugs: practice question

A Pharmacology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pharmacology · CNS drugs

Sample item

Which receptor complex is enhanced by benzodiazepines to increase inhibitory signaling?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. GABA-A receptor

Benzodiazepines enhance GABA-A receptor activity by increasing the frequency of chloride-channel opening, producing anxiolytic, sedative, anticonvulsant, and muscle-relaxant effects.

Option by option

  • A. NMDA receptor

    NMDA receptor activity is not the primary benzodiazepine target.

  • B. Dopamine D2 receptor

    D2 receptors are targeted by many antipsychotics.

  • C. Beta-1 receptor

    Beta-1 receptors are cardiac adrenergic receptors.

  • D. GABA-A receptor (correct)

    Correct: benzodiazepines enhance GABA-A mediated inhibition.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Pharmacology questions

Questions about this Pharmacology question

What is the answer to this Pharmacology question?

The best answer is D, GABA-A receptor. Benzodiazepines enhance GABA-A receptor activity by increasing the frequency of chloride-channel opening, producing anxiolytic, sedative, anticonvulsant, and muscle-relaxant effects.

Why is "NMDA receptor" not the answer?

NMDA receptor activity is not the primary benzodiazepine target.

Why is "Dopamine D2 receptor" not the answer?

D2 receptors are targeted by many antipsychotics.

Why is "Beta-1 receptor" not the answer?

Beta-1 receptors are cardiac adrenergic receptors.

What concept does this question test?

It tests CNS drugs in Pharmacology. The correct option holds because: Correct: benzodiazepines enhance GABA-A mediated inhibition.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study CNS drugs?

Learn drugs as classes, then the exception in each class that an examiner would pick. Then use the flashcards and the other Pharmacology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.