The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning for users of antiepileptic drugs.
Based on this report, the nurse will monitor for which potential problems with this class of drugs?
Signs of bone marrow depression
Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as strokes
Indications of drug addiction and dependency
The Correct Answer is B
A. Signs of bone marrow depression are not typically associated with antiepileptic drugs. This adverse effect is more commonly seen with medications such as chemotherapy agents.
B. Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors is a well-documented concern with antiepileptic drugs, particularly when used for psychiatric indications or in certain patient populations. The FDA has issued warnings regarding this risk, and healthcare providers should monitor patients for changes in mood, behavior, and suicidal ideation.
C. While some antiepileptic drugs may have cardiovascular effects, such as prolongation of the QT interval, the FDA warning specifically highlights the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors rather than cardiovascular events like strokes.
D. Indications of drug addiction and dependency are not typically associated with antiepileptic drugs. These medications are not central nervous system depressants and do not produce the euphoria or withdrawal symptoms characteristic of addictive substances.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The drug level is at a toxic level, and the dosage needs to be reduced. Phenytoin has a narrow therapeutic range, and levels above 20 mcg/mL are considered to be in the toxic range.
Symptoms of phenytoin toxicity can include nystagmus, ataxia, slurred speech, and confusion. Therefore, if a patient's phenytoin level is 23 mcg/mL, the nurse should be concerned about potential toxicity and consult with the healthcare provider to adjust the dosage.
B. The patient's seizures should be under control if she is also taking a second antiepileptic drug.
While combination therapy with multiple antiepileptic drugs can help control seizures, a phenytoin level of 23 mcg/mL is still concerning for toxicity and requires intervention.
C. The patient is at risk for seizures because the drug level is not at a therapeutic level. A phenytoin level of 23 mcg/mL is actually above the therapeutic range and is more indicative of toxicity rather than subtherapeutic levels.
D. The patient's seizures should be under control because this is a therapeutic drug level. A phenytoin level of 23 mcg/mL is not within the therapeutic range but rather in the toxic range, so the patient may experience symptoms of toxicity rather than having adequate seizure control.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Tachycardia is not typically associated with cholinergic drug effects. Cholinergic stimulation tends to slow down the heart rate rather than increase it.
B. Palpitations may occur with certain cardiac arrhythmias or in response to sympathetic stimulation, but they are not typically associated with cholinergic drug effects.
C. Cholinergic drugs are more likely to cause vasodilation rather than vasoconstriction.
Therefore, vasoconstriction is not a common cardiovascular effect of cholinergic drug therapy.
D. Bradycardia is a common cardiovascular effect of cholinergic drug therapy. Cholinergic stimulation slows down the heart rate by increasing parasympathetic activity, particularly at the
sinoatrial (SA) node. Therefore, bradycardia is the cardiovascular effect that nurses should monitor for when administering cholinergic drugs.
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