A patient is experiencing status epileptics. The nurse anticipates immediate administration of which drug?
Diazepam
Phenobarbital
Valproic acid
Phenytoin
The Correct Answer is A
A) Diazepam
Diazepam (a benzodiazepine) is the first-line treatment for status epilepticus, especially in emergency situations. It works by quickly calming overactive electrical activity in the brain and can be administered intravenously for rapid effect. Diazepam is commonly given as an initial treatment due to its fast onset of action in stopping seizures.
B) Phenobarbital
Phenobarbital is an anticonvulsant that can also be used for seizures, but it is typically used in cases where seizures persist after initial treatment, or as a long-term maintenance therapy. It is not the first-line drug for status epilepticus and is typically administered after other options like diazepam have been tried.
C) Valproic acid
Valproic acid is an anticonvulsant used for chronic seizure management (like for generalized seizures and some focal seizures), but it is not typically used as the immediate treatment in status epilepticus. It may be used in the long-term management or when other drugs fail, but diazepam or lorazepam are preferred for immediate control of seizures.
D) Phenytoin
Phenytoin is another commonly used anticonvulsant, but it has a slower onset of action compared to benzodiazepines like diazepam. While phenytoin is often used for long-term seizure prevention, it is not the most immediate choice in an emergency setting. After initial seizure control with a benzodiazepine, phenytoin may be given for continued seizure prevention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L:
A potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is below the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) and indicates hypokalemia. This is a critical finding for a patient taking digoxin. Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity because low potassium levels enhance the action of digoxin on the heart, potentially leading to arrhythmias. Therefore, the nurse should immediately report this finding to the provider for correction of the potassium imbalance.
B) BP of 132/82 mm Hg:
A blood pressure of 132/82 mm Hg is within the normal to slightly elevated range for adults. There is no immediate cause for concern related to the administration of digoxin, as this value is not indicative of hypotension or any immediate contraindication.
C) Digoxin level of 1.2 ng/mL:
A digoxin level of 1.2 ng/mL is within the therapeutic range (0.5-2.0 ng/mL). There is no indication that this level would need to be reported, as it is appropriate for digoxin therapy and not indicative of toxicity.
D) Heart rate of 66/min:
A heart rate of 66/min is within the normal range for an adult at rest (60-100 bpm). A heart rate below 60 bpm may warrant further assessment when taking digoxin, as it can cause bradycardia. However, a heart rate of 66 is not alarming and does not necessitate reporting to the provider, as it is still within an acceptable range for most individuals.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
To calculate:
1. Convert units:
1 oz = 30 mL
3 oz formula = 3 oz x 30 mL/oz = 90 mL
2 oz juice = 2 oz x 30 mL/oz = 60 mL
2. Calculate total oral intake:
Total oral intake = 10 mL (medication) + 90 mL (formula) + 60 mL (juice) = 160 mL
3. Calculate IV fluid intake:
IV fluid intake = 20 mL/hr x 8 hr = 160 mL
4. Calculate total fluid intake:
Total fluid intake = 160 mL (oral) + 160 mL (IV) = 320 mL
Answer: 320 mL
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