NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) Practice Exam

What action does Succinylcholine have?

1. Cause paralysis

2. Cause sedation

3. Relieve pain

4. Reduce inflammation

The correct answer is: Cause paralysis

Succinylcholine is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent that causes paralysis by activating the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction. The mechanism of action of succinylcholine leads to a transient depolarization and subsequent paralysis of the muscle fibers, making it an important medication for procedures requiring muscle relaxation or during intubation. Therefore, the correct answer is that succinylcholine causes paralysis. In contrast, the other options are not correct: - Sedation is typically caused by medications such as benzodiazepines or opioids. - Pain relief is usually achieved through analgesics such as acetaminophen, NSAIDs, or opioids. - Reduction of inflammation is typically targeted with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or immunosuppressants.