Maryville NURS 615 Pharm Exam 2
Questions and Correct Answers
Carbamazepine (Tegretol) can sometimes show subtherapeutic range due to what? - correct
answers:Carbamazepine auto-induces metabolism, leading to lower levels despite good compliance
What are the black box warnings for Carbamazepine? - correct answers:Dermatologic reactions
1. Steven's Johnson
2. Toxic epidermal necrolysis
What lab test should be ordered for patients on Carbamazepine? - correct answers: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? - correct
answers:Prevention is important, patient safety is important, Do NOT abruptly stop taking medication.
Ethosuximide (Zarontin), an anti-seizure medication can cause what? - correct answers:Blood dyscrasias
Patients taking Topiramate need to be monitored for what electrolyte imbalance? - correct
answers:Decreased sodium bicarb leading to hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis
Topiramate treats seizures and what is one common side effect? - correct answers:Normal side effect is
weight loss, especially in higher dose patients
A child on Topiramate that wants to play sports should monitor what? - correct answers: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)? - correct answers: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.
, What patient population should tricyclic antidepressants be used cautiously in? - correct answers:Heart
Disease patients
Phenelzine (Nardil) is a MAOI. What teaching needs to be done with this medication? - correct
answers: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? - correct
answers:Hypertensive crisis
What are the side effects of tricyclic antidepressants? - correct answers: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 - correct answers:2-6 weeks
SSRIs may cause what onset of action symptoms? - correct answers:Nausea, but this will usually resolve
in a week.
What is one thing you should not do with SSRIs? - correct answers:Drink alcohol
What should happen when going off an SSRI? - correct answers:Wean slowly, do not stop abruptly
What medications would a patient with depression and anxiety respond well to? - correct
answers:Buspar and an SSRI combined
Celexa (Citalopram)
Lexapro (Escitalopram)
Why should you combine an SSRI with Buspar? - correct answers: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? - correct answers:Buspirone
Questions and Correct Answers
Carbamazepine (Tegretol) can sometimes show subtherapeutic range due to what? - correct
answers:Carbamazepine auto-induces metabolism, leading to lower levels despite good compliance
What are the black box warnings for Carbamazepine? - correct answers:Dermatologic reactions
1. Steven's Johnson
2. Toxic epidermal necrolysis
What lab test should be ordered for patients on Carbamazepine? - correct answers: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? - correct
answers:Prevention is important, patient safety is important, Do NOT abruptly stop taking medication.
Ethosuximide (Zarontin), an anti-seizure medication can cause what? - correct answers:Blood dyscrasias
Patients taking Topiramate need to be monitored for what electrolyte imbalance? - correct
answers:Decreased sodium bicarb leading to hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis
Topiramate treats seizures and what is one common side effect? - correct answers:Normal side effect is
weight loss, especially in higher dose patients
A child on Topiramate that wants to play sports should monitor what? - correct answers: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)? - correct answers: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.
, What patient population should tricyclic antidepressants be used cautiously in? - correct answers:Heart
Disease patients
Phenelzine (Nardil) is a MAOI. What teaching needs to be done with this medication? - correct
answers: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? - correct
answers:Hypertensive crisis
What are the side effects of tricyclic antidepressants? - correct answers: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 - correct answers:2-6 weeks
SSRIs may cause what onset of action symptoms? - correct answers:Nausea, but this will usually resolve
in a week.
What is one thing you should not do with SSRIs? - correct answers:Drink alcohol
What should happen when going off an SSRI? - correct answers:Wean slowly, do not stop abruptly
What medications would a patient with depression and anxiety respond well to? - correct
answers:Buspar and an SSRI combined
Celexa (Citalopram)
Lexapro (Escitalopram)
Why should you combine an SSRI with Buspar? - correct answers: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? - correct answers:Buspirone
