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A patient is experiencing status epileptics. The nurse anticipates immediate administration of which drug?

A.

Diazepam

B.

Phenobarbital

C.

Valproic acid

D.

Phenytoin

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A) Diazepam
Diazepam (a benzodiazepine) is the first-line treatment for status epilepticus, especially in emergency situations. It works by quickly calming overactive electrical activity in the brain and can be administered intravenously for rapid effect. Diazepam is commonly given as an initial treatment due to its fast onset of action in stopping seizures.

 

B) Phenobarbital
Phenobarbital is an anticonvulsant that can also be used for seizures, but it is typically used in cases where seizures persist after initial treatment, or as a long-term maintenance therapy. It is not the first-line drug for status epilepticus and is typically administered after other options like diazepam have been tried.

 

C) Valproic acid
Valproic acid is an anticonvulsant used for chronic seizure management (like for generalized seizures and some focal seizures), but it is not typically used as the immediate treatment in status epilepticus. It may be used in the long-term management or when other drugs fail, but diazepam or lorazepam are preferred for immediate control of seizures.

 

D) Phenytoin
Phenytoin is another commonly used anticonvulsant, but it has a slower onset of action compared to benzodiazepines like diazepam. While phenytoin is often used for long-term seizure prevention, it is not the most immediate choice in an emergency setting. After initial seizure control with a benzodiazepine, phenytoin may be given for continued seizure prevention.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Convert the dosage to mcg per hour:

55 mcg/min × 60 min = 3300 mcg/hr

Determine the concentration of nitroglycerin available:

The concentration is 25 mg per 250 mL, which converts to 100 mcg/mL.

Calculate the flow rate in mL per hour using the dosage and concentration:

Flowrate(mL/hr)=(Dose(mcg/hr)/Concentration(mcg/mL))

(3300mcg/hr100mcg/mL)=33mL/hr

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Given:

Infusion rate: 3 mL/hr

Concentration of Nitroglycerin: 50 mg in 250 mL D5W (200 mcg/mL)

Step 1: Calculate the dose in mg/hr:

Dose (mg/hr) = Infusion rate (mL/hr) x Concentration (mg/mL)

Dose (mg/hr) = 3 mL/hr x 200 mcg/mL

Dose (mg/hr) = 600 mcg/hr

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