🏥 USMLE Exam Prep

A patient with Parkinson's disease is prescribed a medication to help manage tremors. This drug acts by blocking muscarinic receptors in the central nervous system. Which of the following adverse effects is most likely to be experienced by this patient?

A Diarrhea
B Bradycardia
C Increased salivation
D Urinary retention

✓ Correct Answer: Option D

Antimuscarinic drugs block cholinergic receptors, leading to anticholinergic side effects. These include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, tachycardia, and urinary retention. Diarrhea, bradycardia, and increased salivation are typically seen with cholinergic stimulation.

💡 Why is D) the correct answer?

The correct answer to the question "A patient with Parkinson's disease is prescribed a medication to help manage tremors. This drug acts by blocking muscarinic receptors in the central nervous system. Which of the following adverse effects is most likely to be experienced by this patient?" is Option D: Urinary retention.

The other options — A) Diarrhea, B) Bradycardia, C) Increased salivation — are incorrect for this USMLE Exam Prep question. As explained above: Antimuscarinic drugs block cholinergic receptors, leading to anticholinergic side effects. These include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, tachycardia, and urinary retention. Diarrhea, bradyca…

📚 About This USMLE Exam Prep Practice Question

This 2-level USMLE Exam Prep question from the Step 1 – Basic Sciences topic is part of BrainForge Quiz's free exam preparation library. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed explanation to help you understand the underlying concept, not just memorize the answer.

How to use this page: Read the question above, consider all four options (A through D), then check the highlighted correct answer and explanation. For active timed practice, start a free USMLE Exam Prep practice test or use flashcards for spaced repetition review.

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