NURS 615 PHARMACOLOGY FINAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS LATEST 2026
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS ALREADY GRADED A+
◉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.
◉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
, ◉What electrolyte imbalance is noted with the administration of
topiramate? Answer: 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.
◉What is the pregnancy category for valproate? Answer: Pregnancy
Category X.
◉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.
◉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
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS LATEST 2026
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS ALREADY GRADED A+
◉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.
◉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
, ◉What electrolyte imbalance is noted with the administration of
topiramate? Answer: 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.
◉What is the pregnancy category for valproate? Answer: Pregnancy
Category X.
◉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.
◉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
