NURS nurs 615Exam 2 Transcript Strathmann

1. What blood values should be monitored with carbamazepine? a. You should check a CBC every three to four months. In the US, the label for carbamazepine contains warnings on the effects of the body's production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Rarely there are major effects of aplastic anemia and agranulocytosis reported. More commonly there are minor changes such as decrease white blood cell count or platelet counts that generally do not progress to more serious problems. 2. What is the pharmacodynamics of carbamazepine? a. Carbamazepine auto-induces metabolism leading to lower levels in spite of good compliance. Carbamazepine is relatively is relatively slowly, but well absorbed after oral administration. Its plasma half-life is about 30 hours when it is given as a single dose, but it is a strong inducer of hepatic enzymes and the plasma half-life shortens to about 15 hours when it is given repeatedly. 3. What should families be taught regarding the monitoring of seizure activity? a. Patient and family education focuses on prevention seizures, patient safety, and quality of life issues. The clinician and patient must establish mutually acceptable goals regarding treatment. The patient should not abruptly discontinue their medication do the increased risk of seizures 4. What electrolyte imbalance is noted with the administration of topiramate? a. Decrease in serum bicarbonate due to inhibition of carbonic anhydrase and increase renal bicarbonate- leading to hypercholemic metabolic acidosis. (He skipped this question)