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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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is correct. Drinking a glass of water after taking calcium carbonate antacid can help flush the medication down the esophagus and into the stomach, where it can neutralize the excess acid. It can also prevent the medication from sticking to the esophagus and causing irritation or damage¹.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Decreasing bulk in the diet is not necessary when taking calcium carbonate antacid. In fact, increasing fiber intake can help prevent constipation, which is a common side effect of calcium carbonate antacid. Constipation occurs because calcium carbonate can reduce the motility of the gastrointestinal tract.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Taking the medication with dairy products can decrease absorption and effectiveness of calcium carbonate antacid. Dairy products contain calcium, which can bind to calcium carbonate and form insoluble complexes that are not absorbed by the body. This can reduce the amount of calcium carbonate available to neutralize the stomach acid.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Reducing sodium intake is not related to taking calcium carbonate antacid. Sodium is a mineral that regulates fluid balance, blood pressure, and nerve and muscle function in the body. Some medications, such as diuretics, can increase sodium excretion and require the patient to limit sodium intake. Calcium carbonate antacid is not one of them.

A. Kidneys B. Pancreas C. Gallbladder D. Liver

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is correct. The kidneys are the main organs for excreting water-soluble substances, including most drugs and their metabolites. The kidneys filter the blood and remove waste products and excess fluid as urine. Drugs can be excreted by glomerular filtration, tubular secretion, or tubular reabsorption.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect. The pancreas is not involved in excretion of drugs. The pancreas is an organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones, such as insulin and glucagon.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect. The gallbladder is not involved in excretion of drugs. The gallbladder is an organ that stores and concentrates bile, a fluid that helps digest fats.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect. The liver is not primarily responsible for excretion of drugs, although it plays an important role in drug metabolism. The liver is an organ that performs many functions, such as detoxifying substances, synthesizing proteins, and producing bile. The liver can transform drugs into more polar and water-soluble compounds, which can then be excreted by the kidneys or the biliary system.

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Escitalopram (Lexapro) belongs to which class of medications?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is completing a medication history for a client who reports using over-the-counter calcium carbonate antacid. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse make about taking this medication?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Which organ is primarily responsible for excretion of a medication?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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