Questions: To safely administer drugs, nurses must understand that only certain drugs can cross the bloodbrain barrier (BBB), including those that are highly lipid soluble and of low molecular weight. Which drug can cross the BBB? Diazepam Atenolol Penicillin Nadolol NOT SURE CONFIDENT Search

The answer is the first one: Diazepam.

Explanation for each option:

1. Diazepam: Diazepam is a benzodiazepine that is highly lipid-soluble, which allows it to easily cross the blood-brain barrier. This property is essential for its effectiveness as a central nervous system depressant, used for its anxiolytic, sedative, and muscle relaxant effects.

2. Atenolol: Atenolol is a beta-blocker that is not highly lipid-soluble, which limits its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. It is primarily used for cardiovascular conditions and does not significantly affect the central nervous system.

3. Penicillin: Penicillin is an antibiotic with a relatively high molecular weight and low lipid solubility, which prevents it from crossing the blood-brain barrier effectively. It is used to treat bacterial infections outside the central nervous system.

4. Nadolol: Nadolol is another beta-blocker similar to atenolol, with low lipid solubility, making it unlikely to cross the blood-brain barrier. It is used for treating hypertension and angina, with minimal central nervous system effects.

In summary, Diazepam is the drug among the options provided that can cross the blood-brain barrier due to its high lipid solubility.