Answer to Question 1
B
Barbiturates have a low therapeutic index; overdose may rapidly lead to death. Because of their toxicity, barbiturates frequently are used as a means of suicide and should not be prescribed to patients with suicidal tendencies.
Barbiturates may be used in patients with a history of delirium.
Barbiturates may be used in patients with a history of allergy to benzodiazepines.
Central nervous system depression and drowsiness may be side effects of barbiturates; therefore, if the drugs have been used previously, these would be expected findings.
Answer to Question 2
a