Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

Which of the following do opioids act synergistically with to achieve a given level of sedation in a patient?

1. Beta blockers

2. Salicylates

3. Antidepressants

4. Benzodiazepines

The correct answer is: Benzodiazepines

Opioids act synergistically with benzodiazepines to enhance sedation effects in patients. This means that when both drugs are used together, they can produce a greater sedative effect than either would alone. Opioids primarily work on mu-opioid receptors in the brain to provide pain relief and induce sedation, while benzodiazepines enhance the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA, which leads to increased inhibition in the central nervous system. This combined effect can be useful in clinical settings for managing pain and anxiety; however, it also raises the risk of respiratory depression and sedation, necessitating careful monitoring. In contrast, beta blockers, salicylates, and antidepressants do not share the same synergistic sedative effects with opioids and act via different mechanisms. Beta blockers primarily affect cardiovascular function, salicylates focus on anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and antidepressants may impact mood and anxiety through neurotransmitters like serotonin or norepinephrine, rather than directly contributing to sedation.