Which term can act as either a sedative or a hypnotic depending on the dose and client responsiveness? In low doses, they calm the CNS without causing sleep. In high doses, they calm the CNS and cause sleep.

Which term can act as either a sedative or a hypnotic depending on the dose and client responsiveness? In low doses, they calm the CNS without causing sleep. In high doses, they calm the CNS and cause sleep.

• A. Sedatives
• B. Hypnotics
• C. Sedative-Hypnotics
• D. Barbiturates

Answer: (C)

Sedative-hypnotics have dose-dependent effects on the central nervous system. At low doses they produce sedation, calming anxiety and agitation without causing sleep. When the dose is higher, they depress CNS activity enough to induce sleep, acting as hypnotics. This single term fits the description of a drug that can be either a sedative or a hypnotic depending on dose and individual response.

Sedative-hypnotics have dose-dependent effects on the central nervous system. At low doses they produce sedation, calming anxiety and agitation without causing sleep. When the dose is higher, they depress CNS activity enough to induce sleep, acting as hypnotics. This single term fits the description of a drug that can be either a sedative or a hypnotic depending on dose and individual response.