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Maryville NURS 615 Pharm Exam 2
Questions and Correct Answers
Carbamazepine (Tegretol) can sometimes show subtherapeutic
range due to what? Ans: — Carbamazepine auto-induces
metabolism, leading to lower levels despite good compliance
What are the black box warnings for Carbamazepine? Ans: —
Dermatologic reactions
1. Steven's Johnson
2. Toxic epidermal necrolysis
What lab test should be ordered for patients on Carbamazepine?
Ans: — CBC every 3-4 months because it can cause decreased
WBC, decreased platelets, and trouble with RBC
What kind of teaching needs to be done with families of patients
who have seizure disorders? Ans: — Prevention is important,
patient safety is important, Do NOT abruptly stop taking
medication.
Ethosuximide (Zarontin), an anti-seizure medication can cause
what? Ans: — Blood dyscrasias
Patients taking Topiramate need to be monitored for what
electrolyte imbalance? Ans: — Decreased sodium bicarb leading to
hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis
Topiramate treats seizures and what is one common side effect?
Ans: — Normal side effect is weight loss, especially in higher dose
patients
A child on Topiramate that wants to play sports should monitor
what? Ans: — Don't get overheated. Topiramate may affect his
ability to sweat in the heat.
What should a pregnant patient be told about taking Valproate
(Depakote)? Ans: — It is a known teratogen and category X
medication. It should not be used in the first trimester, it may be
restarted in second trimester.
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What patient population should tricyclic antidepressants be used
cautiously in? Ans: — Heart Disease patients
Phenelzine (Nardil) is a MAOI. What teaching needs to be done with
this medication? Ans: — He should not use serotonergic drugs like
Imitrex. Also, this class of medication interacts with yogurt, sour
cream, soy sauce, etc.
Phenelzine (Nardil) may cause what if there is an interaction with
known contraindicated foods? Ans: — Hypertensive crisis
What are the side effects of tricyclic antidepressants? Ans: —
Anticholinergic type effects like dry mouth, sedation, constipation,
increased appetite, blurred vision, tinnitus, euphoria, mania
How long does it take for SSRIs to take effect Ans: — 2-6 weeks
SSRIs may cause what onset of action symptoms? Ans: — Nausea,
but this will usually resolve in a week.
What is one thing you should not do with SSRIs? Ans: — Drink
alcohol
What should happen when going off an SSRI? Ans: — Wean slowly,
do not stop abruptly
What medications would a patient with depression and anxiety
respond well to? Ans: — Buspar and an SSRI combined
Celexa (Citalopram)
Lexapro (Escitalopram)
Why should you combine an SSRI with Buspar? Ans: — Buspar
augments the SSRI and is a good combo for anxiety and depression
What is a first line drug for mild to moderate generalized anxiety
disorder? Ans: — Buspirone
How fast does Celexa start to demonstrate effects? Ans: —
Improved appetitie and concentration in 1-2 weeks.
What is a major drug to treat bipolar disease? Ans: — Lithium
© 2025 All rights reserved
Maryville NURS 615 Pharm Exam 2
Questions and Correct Answers
Carbamazepine (Tegretol) can sometimes show subtherapeutic
range due to what? Ans: — Carbamazepine auto-induces
metabolism, leading to lower levels despite good compliance
What are the black box warnings for Carbamazepine? Ans: —
Dermatologic reactions
1. Steven's Johnson
2. Toxic epidermal necrolysis
What lab test should be ordered for patients on Carbamazepine?
Ans: — CBC every 3-4 months because it can cause decreased
WBC, decreased platelets, and trouble with RBC
What kind of teaching needs to be done with families of patients
who have seizure disorders? Ans: — Prevention is important,
patient safety is important, Do NOT abruptly stop taking
medication.
Ethosuximide (Zarontin), an anti-seizure medication can cause
what? Ans: — Blood dyscrasias
Patients taking Topiramate need to be monitored for what
electrolyte imbalance? Ans: — Decreased sodium bicarb leading to
hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis
Topiramate treats seizures and what is one common side effect?
Ans: — Normal side effect is weight loss, especially in higher dose
patients
A child on Topiramate that wants to play sports should monitor
what? Ans: — Don't get overheated. Topiramate may affect his
ability to sweat in the heat.
What should a pregnant patient be told about taking Valproate
(Depakote)? Ans: — It is a known teratogen and category X
medication. It should not be used in the first trimester, it may be
restarted in second trimester.
© 2025 All rights reserved
, 2 | Page
What patient population should tricyclic antidepressants be used
cautiously in? Ans: — Heart Disease patients
Phenelzine (Nardil) is a MAOI. What teaching needs to be done with
this medication? Ans: — He should not use serotonergic drugs like
Imitrex. Also, this class of medication interacts with yogurt, sour
cream, soy sauce, etc.
Phenelzine (Nardil) may cause what if there is an interaction with
known contraindicated foods? Ans: — Hypertensive crisis
What are the side effects of tricyclic antidepressants? Ans: —
Anticholinergic type effects like dry mouth, sedation, constipation,
increased appetite, blurred vision, tinnitus, euphoria, mania
How long does it take for SSRIs to take effect Ans: — 2-6 weeks
SSRIs may cause what onset of action symptoms? Ans: — Nausea,
but this will usually resolve in a week.
What is one thing you should not do with SSRIs? Ans: — Drink
alcohol
What should happen when going off an SSRI? Ans: — Wean slowly,
do not stop abruptly
What medications would a patient with depression and anxiety
respond well to? Ans: — Buspar and an SSRI combined
Celexa (Citalopram)
Lexapro (Escitalopram)
Why should you combine an SSRI with Buspar? Ans: — Buspar
augments the SSRI and is a good combo for anxiety and depression
What is a first line drug for mild to moderate generalized anxiety
disorder? Ans: — Buspirone
How fast does Celexa start to demonstrate effects? Ans: —
Improved appetitie and concentration in 1-2 weeks.
What is a major drug to treat bipolar disease? Ans: — Lithium
© 2025 All rights reserved
