A client with bipolar disorder is prescribed valproic acid (Depakote) as part of the treatment plan. Before administering the medication, which test should be done?
Blood glucose concentration.
Urinalysis.
Weight assessment.
Liver function tests.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Blood glucose is not directly affected by valproic acid, which stabilizes mood via GABA enhancement and sodium channel inhibition. Monitoring glucose is irrelevant, as valproic acid’s primary risks involve hepatic and hematologic toxicity, not metabolic glucose dysregulation.
Choice B reason: Urinalysis is not a priority for valproic acid, which primarily risks hepatotoxicity and thrombocytopenia. It enhances GABA and inhibits sodium channels, with no significant renal effects requiring routine urine monitoring, unlike drugs affecting kidney function.
Choice C reason: Weight assessment is relevant for valproic acid due to potential weight gain, but it is not the priority. Hepatotoxicity, driven by valproic acid’s metabolism in the liver, poses a greater risk, necessitating liver function tests to monitor for severe hepatic damage.
Choice D reason: Valproic acid, metabolized by the liver, can cause hepatotoxicity by disrupting mitochondrial function and fatty acid metabolism. Liver function tests monitor transaminases and bilirubin to detect early hepatic damage, critical before initiating treatment to ensure safe use in bipolar disorder.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["400"]
Explanation
Step 1: Convert the infusion time from minutes to hours.
15 minutes ÷ 60 minutes/hour = 0.25 hours
Result at step 1 = 0.25 hours
Step 2: Calculate the infusion rate in mL/hr.
100 mL ÷ 0.25 hours = 400 mL/hr
Result at step 2 = 400 mL/hr
Step 3: Round to the nearest whole number.
400 mL/hr is already a whole number.
Result at step 3 = 400 mL/hr
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Phenelzine, an MAOI, requires avoiding tyramine-rich foods, not selenium-rich foods. Tyramine interacts with MAOIs, causing hypertensive crises due to norepinephrine surges in the synaptic cleft. Selenium has no specific interaction with MAOIs, making this choice irrelevant to safe medication management.
Choice B reason: Phenelzine inhibits monoamine oxidase, increasing serotonin and norepinephrine, and interacts dangerously with many over-the-counter medications like pseudoephedrine, causing hypertensive crises. Consulting a pharmacist ensures safe choices, preventing adverse reactions due to altered neurotransmitter metabolism, reflecting effective understanding of MAOI risks.
Choice C reason: Monitoring sodium and weight is unrelated to phenelzine’s mechanism or side effects. MAOIs primarily affect monoamine neurotransmitters, not electrolytes or fluid balance. This behavior does not address the critical dietary or drug interaction precautions necessary for safe MAOI use.
Choice D reason: Support stockings and leg elevation address circulatory issues, not phenelzine’s risks. MAOIs increase monoamine levels, risking hypertensive crises with certain foods or drugs, not venous stasis. This behavior does not reflect understanding of phenelzine’s neurochemical interactions or safety requirements.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.