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 D
Explanation
A) Distribution:. Distribution refers to the process by which a drug is transported throughout the body after it is absorbed into the bloodstream. It involves the movement of the drug to various tissues and organs, where it can exert its effects. Factors such as blood flow, tissue permeability, and protein binding affect distribution.
B) Metabolism:
Metabolism refers to the biochemical process by which the body breaks down drugs into metabolites, usually in the liver. Metabolism can transform drugs into more easily excreted forms and sometimes alters the drug’s activity. It is essential for drug clearance and can affect drug efficacy and toxicity.
C) Absorption:
Absorption is the first step in pharmacokinetics, where the drug enters the bloodstream after being administered. It occurs primarily in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract for oral medications but can also happen in other routes like subcutaneous or intramuscular injections. The rate and extent of absorption are influenced by factors such as drug formulation, route of administration, and presence of food.
D) Synthesis:
Synthesis refers to the process of creating substances, such as drugs or other compounds, typically within the body or in a laboratory setting. While drug synthesis is crucial in drug development, it is not a step involved in the movement or processing of drugs within the body (which is what pharmacokinetics describes). Pharmacokinetics focuses on how the body handles drugs, not how they are created.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Given:
Ordered dose of amoxicillin: 30 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours
Toddler's weight: 33 lbs
Concentration of amoxicillin suspension: 200 mg/5 mL
Step 1: Convert the toddler's weight from pounds to kilograms:
1 pound (lb) = 0.453592 kilograms (kg)
Weight in kg = 33 lbs x 0.453592 kg/lb = 14.968 kg
Step 2: Calculate the total daily dose of amoxicillin:
Total daily dose (mg) = Ordered dose (mg/kg/day) x Weight (kg)
Total daily dose (mg) = 30 mg/kg/day x 14.968 kg
Total daily dose (mg) = 449.04 mg/day
Step 3: Calculate the dose per administration:
Since the medication is given every 12 hours, there are 2 administrations per day.
Dose per administration (mg) = Total daily dose (mg) / Number of administrations per day
Dose per administration (mg) = 449.04 mg/day / 2 administrations/day
Dose per administration (mg) = 224.52 mg
Step 4: Calculate the volume to be administered:
Volume (mL) = Dose per administration (mg) / Concentration (mg/mL)
Volume (mL) = 224.52 mg / (200 mg/5 mL)
Volume (mL) = 224.52 mg x (5 mL / 200 mg)
Volume (mL) = 5.613 mL
Step 5: Round to the nearest tenth:
Volume (mL) ≈ 5.6 mL
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.