NURS 615 Exam II Maryville University of Saint Louis | Questions with 100%
Verified Answers | Latest Update
Question: What blood values should be monitored with carbamazepine?
Answer:
Plasma carbamazepine levels should be monitored on a regular basis. The therapeutic range is 4 to 12
mcg/L. Higher levels can lead to toxic symptoms consisting of initial adverse effects and also
hypertension, tachycardia, ECG changes, stupor, agitation, nystagmus, urinary retention, respiratory
depression, seizures, and coma. Children and elderly patient may develop toxicity levels below 12. CBC
every 3 to 4 months Affects RBC, WBC, Platelets Agranulocytosis, Anemia
Question: What is the pharmacodynamics of carbamazepine?
Answer:
Carbamazepine is metabolized in the liver and has the unique ability to induce its own metabolism
(autoinduction). Due to autoinduction, initial concentrations within therapeutic range may later fall
despite good compliance. It also induces the metabolism of many CYP450 enzymes and other
substances. Slowly but well absorbed half life of about 30 hours, shortens to 15 hours when given
repeatedly The exact mechanism of action of carbamazepine is not known, but they are thought to affect
the sodium channels, slowing influx of sodium in the cortical neurons and slowing the spread of
abnormal activity. Carbamazepine exerts its effect by depressing transmission in the nucleus ventralis
anterior of the thalamus. This area is associated with the spread of seizure discharge.
•Absorption and Distribution Carbamazepine is absorbed through the stomach, the suspension being
absorbed more quickly than the tablet form. Absorption from the immediate-release tablets is slow and
erratic because of its slow water solubility. The drug is highly lipophilic, resulting in high body tissue
binding.
•Metabolism and Excretion Excretion is through feces and urine. Average blood levels of carbamazepine
occur approximately 6 hours after administration. Half-life can be as long as 65 hours with initial dosing,
but is typically 12 to 17 hours as administration continues. It is noteworthy that the half-life after a single
dose is much longer than the half-life after long-term use. Steady state is attained in 2 to 4 days.
Question: What should families be taught regarding the monitoring of seizure activity?
Answer:
Patients should be monitored for seizure activity, severity, and duration. Patient should carry medical
identification for the seizure disorder. Patient should report any mood changes or suicidal thoughts.
Prevention of seizures. Do not abruptly end medication increases risk of seizures
Question: What electrolyte imbalance is noted with the administration topiramate?
Answer:
of Patients taking topiramate may have decreased concentrations of bicarbonate due to inhibition of
carbonic anhydrase and increased renal bicarbonate loss, leading to hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis.
Severe metabolic acidosis has been reported in infants receiving a topiramate dose of 5mg/kg/day.
Serum bicarbonate levels should be monitored at baseline and periodically throughout therapy.
, Question: What is the pregnancy category for valproate?
Answer:
Pregnancy Category X.
Question: What instructions will you provide to a woman who wants to get pregnant and has a seizure
disorder controlled with valproate?
Answer:
Switch to another antiseizure medication such as Keppra Use of these drugs during the first trimester of
pregnancy is associated with neural tube defects including spina bifida. Their use should be restricted to
cases in which a woman's life would be endangered without them and then only beyond the first
trimester. They should be used with caution during lactation.
Question: What are the precautions and contraindications for the tricyclic antidepressants?
Answer:
•Most significant risks are cardiac conduction disorder. At highest risk are children and the elderly
therefore, baseline ECG and periodic monitoring should be performed. The most common
cardiovascular effect is sinus tachycardia due to the inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake and
anticholinergic action. Contribute to the slowing of depolarization of the cardiac muscle, contributing to
prolongation of the QRS complex and the PR/QT intervals. Can be cardiotoxic in overdose.
•TCAs have a direct alpha-adrenergic blocking effect and quindine-like effect on the myocardium, they
are contraindicated for those with cardiovascular disorders.
•Due to their acetycholine blocking effect they should be used with caution in those who have glaucoma,
prostatic hypertrophy, or urinary incontinence.
•Should not be prescribed in combination with MAOIs or individuals who have demonstrated
hypersensitivity in this class.
•Pregnancy category C and are excreted in low doses in breast milk. Safety of use in pregnancy is
unclear.
•Tardive dyskinesia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome have been reported, and more likely with
amoxapine use due to its dopaminergic effect.
•Should be titrated gradually in either direction. Nausea, headache, vertigo, malaise, and nightmares
have been noted following abrupt discontinuance of the drug or after large dose decreases.
•Lower seizure thresholds in those with seizure disorder or those taking medications that also decrease
seizure threshold.
•Therapeutic and toxic level index is LOW. Great care needs to be taken when prescribing for a person
who is depressed and has suicidal ideas.
Question: Phenelzine (Nardil) is an MAO inhibitor. What are the cautions and contraindications? How is
it used to treat recalcitrant depression?
Answer:
•Contraindications Liver or kidney disease Hypersensitivity Congestive heart failure or arteriosclerotic
disease Age over 60 years Pregnancy category C; excreted in breastmilk safety not established Not
Verified Answers | Latest Update
Question: What blood values should be monitored with carbamazepine?
Answer:
Plasma carbamazepine levels should be monitored on a regular basis. The therapeutic range is 4 to 12
mcg/L. Higher levels can lead to toxic symptoms consisting of initial adverse effects and also
hypertension, tachycardia, ECG changes, stupor, agitation, nystagmus, urinary retention, respiratory
depression, seizures, and coma. Children and elderly patient may develop toxicity levels below 12. CBC
every 3 to 4 months Affects RBC, WBC, Platelets Agranulocytosis, Anemia
Question: What is the pharmacodynamics of carbamazepine?
Answer:
Carbamazepine is metabolized in the liver and has the unique ability to induce its own metabolism
(autoinduction). Due to autoinduction, initial concentrations within therapeutic range may later fall
despite good compliance. It also induces the metabolism of many CYP450 enzymes and other
substances. Slowly but well absorbed half life of about 30 hours, shortens to 15 hours when given
repeatedly The exact mechanism of action of carbamazepine is not known, but they are thought to affect
the sodium channels, slowing influx of sodium in the cortical neurons and slowing the spread of
abnormal activity. Carbamazepine exerts its effect by depressing transmission in the nucleus ventralis
anterior of the thalamus. This area is associated with the spread of seizure discharge.
•Absorption and Distribution Carbamazepine is absorbed through the stomach, the suspension being
absorbed more quickly than the tablet form. Absorption from the immediate-release tablets is slow and
erratic because of its slow water solubility. The drug is highly lipophilic, resulting in high body tissue
binding.
•Metabolism and Excretion Excretion is through feces and urine. Average blood levels of carbamazepine
occur approximately 6 hours after administration. Half-life can be as long as 65 hours with initial dosing,
but is typically 12 to 17 hours as administration continues. It is noteworthy that the half-life after a single
dose is much longer than the half-life after long-term use. Steady state is attained in 2 to 4 days.
Question: What should families be taught regarding the monitoring of seizure activity?
Answer:
Patients should be monitored for seizure activity, severity, and duration. Patient should carry medical
identification for the seizure disorder. Patient should report any mood changes or suicidal thoughts.
Prevention of seizures. Do not abruptly end medication increases risk of seizures
Question: What electrolyte imbalance is noted with the administration topiramate?
Answer:
of Patients taking topiramate may have decreased concentrations of bicarbonate due to inhibition of
carbonic anhydrase and increased renal bicarbonate loss, leading to hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis.
Severe metabolic acidosis has been reported in infants receiving a topiramate dose of 5mg/kg/day.
Serum bicarbonate levels should be monitored at baseline and periodically throughout therapy.
, Question: What is the pregnancy category for valproate?
Answer:
Pregnancy Category X.
Question: What instructions will you provide to a woman who wants to get pregnant and has a seizure
disorder controlled with valproate?
Answer:
Switch to another antiseizure medication such as Keppra Use of these drugs during the first trimester of
pregnancy is associated with neural tube defects including spina bifida. Their use should be restricted to
cases in which a woman's life would be endangered without them and then only beyond the first
trimester. They should be used with caution during lactation.
Question: What are the precautions and contraindications for the tricyclic antidepressants?
Answer:
•Most significant risks are cardiac conduction disorder. At highest risk are children and the elderly
therefore, baseline ECG and periodic monitoring should be performed. The most common
cardiovascular effect is sinus tachycardia due to the inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake and
anticholinergic action. Contribute to the slowing of depolarization of the cardiac muscle, contributing to
prolongation of the QRS complex and the PR/QT intervals. Can be cardiotoxic in overdose.
•TCAs have a direct alpha-adrenergic blocking effect and quindine-like effect on the myocardium, they
are contraindicated for those with cardiovascular disorders.
•Due to their acetycholine blocking effect they should be used with caution in those who have glaucoma,
prostatic hypertrophy, or urinary incontinence.
•Should not be prescribed in combination with MAOIs or individuals who have demonstrated
hypersensitivity in this class.
•Pregnancy category C and are excreted in low doses in breast milk. Safety of use in pregnancy is
unclear.
•Tardive dyskinesia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome have been reported, and more likely with
amoxapine use due to its dopaminergic effect.
•Should be titrated gradually in either direction. Nausea, headache, vertigo, malaise, and nightmares
have been noted following abrupt discontinuance of the drug or after large dose decreases.
•Lower seizure thresholds in those with seizure disorder or those taking medications that also decrease
seizure threshold.
•Therapeutic and toxic level index is LOW. Great care needs to be taken when prescribing for a person
who is depressed and has suicidal ideas.
Question: Phenelzine (Nardil) is an MAO inhibitor. What are the cautions and contraindications? How is
it used to treat recalcitrant depression?
Answer:
•Contraindications Liver or kidney disease Hypersensitivity Congestive heart failure or arteriosclerotic
disease Age over 60 years Pregnancy category C; excreted in breastmilk safety not established Not
