C HAPTER 14: A NTIEPILEPTIC D RUGS
Lilley: Pharmacology and the Nursing Process, 10th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The nurse is giving an intravenous dose of phenytoin. Which action is
correct when administering this drug?
a. Give the dose as a fast intravenous (IV) bolus.
b. Mix the drug with normal saline, and give it as a slow IV push.
c. Mix the drug with dextrose (D5W), and give it as a slow IV push.
d. Mix the drug with any available solution as long as the
administration rate is correct.
ANS: B
Intravenous phenytoin is given onl y with normal saline solution to
prevent precipitation formation caused by incompatibilities. The IV
push dose must be given slowl y (not exceeding 50 mg/min in adults),
and the patient must be monitored for bradycardia and decreased blood
pressure.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Appl ying (Application)
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: NC LEX: Physiological Integrit y: Pharmacological and
Parenteral Therapies
2. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning for users of
antiepileptic drugs. Based on this report, the nurse will monitor fo r which
potential problems with this class of drugs?
a. Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
, b. Signs of bone marrow depression
c. Indications of drug addiction and dependency
d. Increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as strokes
ANS: A
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has required black box
warnings on all antiepileptic drugs regarding the risk of suicidal
thoughts and behaviors. Patients being treated with antiepileptic drugs
for any indication need to be monitored for the emergence or
worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, or any unusual
changes in mood or behavior. The other options are incorrect.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension)
TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation
MSC: NC LEX: Physiological Integrit y: P harmacological and
Parenteral Therapies
3. A patient is experiencing status epilepticus. The nurse prepares to give
which drug of choice for the treatment of this condition?
a. Diazepam
b. Midazolam
c. Valproic acid
d. Carbamazepine
ANS: A
Diazepam and lorazepam are co nsidered by many to be the drugs of
choice for status epilepticus. Other drugs that are used are listed in
Table 14-3 and do not include the drugs listed in the other options.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension)
TOP: Nursing Process: Planni ng
Lilley: Pharmacology and the Nursing Process, 10th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The nurse is giving an intravenous dose of phenytoin. Which action is
correct when administering this drug?
a. Give the dose as a fast intravenous (IV) bolus.
b. Mix the drug with normal saline, and give it as a slow IV push.
c. Mix the drug with dextrose (D5W), and give it as a slow IV push.
d. Mix the drug with any available solution as long as the
administration rate is correct.
ANS: B
Intravenous phenytoin is given onl y with normal saline solution to
prevent precipitation formation caused by incompatibilities. The IV
push dose must be given slowl y (not exceeding 50 mg/min in adults),
and the patient must be monitored for bradycardia and decreased blood
pressure.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Appl ying (Application)
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: NC LEX: Physiological Integrit y: Pharmacological and
Parenteral Therapies
2. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning for users of
antiepileptic drugs. Based on this report, the nurse will monitor fo r which
potential problems with this class of drugs?
a. Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
, b. Signs of bone marrow depression
c. Indications of drug addiction and dependency
d. Increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as strokes
ANS: A
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has required black box
warnings on all antiepileptic drugs regarding the risk of suicidal
thoughts and behaviors. Patients being treated with antiepileptic drugs
for any indication need to be monitored for the emergence or
worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, or any unusual
changes in mood or behavior. The other options are incorrect.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension)
TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation
MSC: NC LEX: Physiological Integrit y: P harmacological and
Parenteral Therapies
3. A patient is experiencing status epilepticus. The nurse prepares to give
which drug of choice for the treatment of this condition?
a. Diazepam
b. Midazolam
c. Valproic acid
d. Carbamazepine
ANS: A
Diazepam and lorazepam are co nsidered by many to be the drugs of
choice for status epilepticus. Other drugs that are used are listed in
Table 14-3 and do not include the drugs listed in the other options.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension)
TOP: Nursing Process: Planni ng
