The nurse is administering valproic acid to a client for seizures and finds a serum range for valproic acid of 130 mcg/mL. What does the nurse anticipate the provider will do?
Make no changes.
Increase the daily dose.
Change the medication.
Decrease the dose.
The Correct Answer is B
The therapeutic range for valproic acid is 50-100 mcg/mL ¹. In this case, the client has a serum range for valproic acid of 130 mcg/mL, which is above the therapeutic range but below the toxic level of >100 mcg/mL ¹. The nurse would anticipate that the provider will increase the daily dose of valproic acid to bring the serum range within the therapeutic range.
Option A is incorrect because the serum range is above the therapeutic range and changes may be needed.
Option C is incorrect because changing the medication may not be necessary if adjusting the dose can bring the serum range within the therapeutic range.
Option D is incorrect because decreasing the dose would lower the serum range further below the therapeutic range.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The nurse would expect the provider to order acetaminophen or ibuprofen for the client. Headache, fever, chills, and muscle aches are common side effects of interferon beta-1a ¹⁴. These side effects are often referred to as flu-like symptoms and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen ¹.
Option B is incorrect because an evaluation by a physician may not be necessary if the client is experiencing common side effects of interferon beta-1a.
Option C is incorrect because discontinuing the medication immediately may not be necessary if the client is experiencing common side effects of interferon beta-1a.
Option D is incorrect because checking the hemoglobin may not be necessary if the client is experiencing common side effects of interferon beta-1a.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A half-life is the time it takes for the concentration of a drug in the body to decrease by half. In this case, the medication has an 8-hour half-life, so after 8 hours, the concentration of the medication in the client's body would be reduced to 400mg (half of the initial dose of 800mg). After another 8 hours (16 hours total), the concentration would be reduced to 200mg. After another 8 hours (24 hours total), the concentration would be reduced to 100mg.
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