Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the CNRN Exam. Test your knowledge with our comprehensive multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations. Boost your confidence and improve your chances of a successful exam outcome!

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What is the onset time for the scopolamine patch?

  1. 1-2 hours

  2. 2-4 hours

  3. 4-6 hours

  4. Immediate

The correct answer is: 2-4 hours

The scopolamine patch, often used for motion sickness or postoperative nausea and vomiting, typically has an onset time of 2-4 hours. This timeframe reflects the time needed for the medication to diffuse through the skin and enter the systemic circulation, where it can exert its effects. The transdermal route is designed for sustained release over time, which means that while it may start to have effects within 2-4 hours, its peak effect may be seen later as the drug concentration increases. In contrast, the other provided options don't accurately reflect the pharmacokinetics of the scopolamine patch. An onset time of 1-2 hours would be too short considering the patch requires some time for absorption. An onset time of 4-6 hours might be more appropriate for achieving peak effects, but does not accurately capture the initial onset. An "immediate" onset is not characteristic since transdermal delivery inherently involves a gradual absorption process. Thus, the chosen response aligns with clinical expectations and understanding of scopolamine's pharmacological behavior.