Indiana Qualified Medication Assistant (QMA) State Practice Exam

What is the primary use of Ambien?

1. To promote appetite

2. To reduce physical and mental activity, control convulsion and induce sleep

3. To relieve pain

4. To treat skin allergies

The correct answer is: To reduce physical and mental activity, control convulsion and induce sleep

The primary use of Ambien is to reduce physical and mental activity, control convulsions, and induce sleep. Ambien, which is the brand name for zolpidem, is a prescription medication commonly prescribed as a short-term treatment for insomnia. Its primary function is to help patients fall asleep more quickly and stay asleep longer by acting on certain receptors in the brain that are responsible for sleep regulation. The other options do not accurately reflect the primary purpose of Ambien. Promoting appetite is not a function of this medication, as it does not have any properties related to increasing hunger. Similarly, while Ambien can help induce sleep, its role is not to control convulsions; other medications are typically used for that purpose. Lastly, it does not relieve pain or treat skin allergies, as those require different types of medications entirely. Understanding this distinction helps clarify Ambien’s specific role in treating sleep disorders.