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) 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.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Nausea
Nausea is not the most common or primary complication associated with thrombolytic drugs. While some patients may experience nausea as a minor side effect, it is not the hallmark complication of thrombolytic therapy. Thrombolytic drugs are used to dissolve blood clots, and their primary concern is related to bleeding due to their potent effect on clotting factors.
B) Hypertension
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is not typically associated with thrombolytic therapy. In fact, thrombolytic drugs are more likely to cause hypotension (low blood pressure) in some cases, especially if bleeding complications lead to significant blood loss.
C) Fever
Fever can occur as a side effect of many medications or conditions, but it is not a common or direct complication of thrombolytic therapy. Fever may occasionally arise as a response to infection, inflammation, or even the breakdown of clots, but it is not a primary concern when using thrombolytic drugs.
D) Bleeding
Bleeding is the most common and serious complication associated with thrombolytic drugs. These medications work by breaking down fibrin, the protein responsible for clot formation, to dissolve blood clots. While this is beneficial in conditions like myocardial infarction, stroke, or pulmonary embolism, it increases the risk of bleeding throughout the body. Bleeding can occur at various sites, including internal bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, and bleeding at the injection site.
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