The nurse is administering valproic acid to a client for seizures and finds a serum range for valproic acid of 130 mcg/mL. What does the nurse anticipate the provider will do?
Make no changes.
Increase the daily dose.
Change the medication.
Decrease the dose.
The Correct Answer is B
The therapeutic range for valproic acid is 50-100 mcg/mL ¹. In this case, the client has a serum range for valproic acid of 130 mcg/mL, which is above the therapeutic range but below the toxic level of >100 mcg/mL ¹. The nurse would anticipate that the provider will increase the daily dose of valproic acid to bring the serum range within the therapeutic range.
Option A is incorrect because the serum range is above the therapeutic range and changes may be needed.
Option C is incorrect because changing the medication may not be necessary if adjusting the dose can bring the serum range within the therapeutic range.
Option D is incorrect because decreasing the dose would lower the serum range further below the therapeutic range.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Benzodiazepines are medications that work in the central nervous system and are used for a variety of medical conditions such as anxiety, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal ². They work by blocking excessive activity of nerves in the brain and other areas in the central nervous system ². While benzodiazepines can be effective in treating these conditions, they are not a cure and should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include counseling or other forms of therapy ¹.
Option A is not correct because benzodiazepines do not require frequent blood counts to avoid adverse effects.
Option B is not correct because the decision to stop a medication should be made by a healthcare provider based on an individual's response to treatment.
Option D is not correct because benzodiazepines are not intended for long-term use and should be used for the shortest possible time to achieve therapeutic goals ².

Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The nurse would want to have flumazenil readily available in case benzodiazepine reversal is needed. Flumazenil is a medication used to reverse the effects of benzodiazepines such as lorazepam ¹. It can be used to help a person wake up after a medical procedure in which a benzodiazepine was used as a sedative or to treat a benzodiazepine overdose ¹.
Option A is incorrect because physostigmine is not used to reverse the effects of benzodiazepines.
Option B is incorrect because naloxone is used to reverse the effects of opioids, not benzodiazepines.
Option D is incorrect because syrup of ipecac is not used to reverse the effects of benzodiazepines.


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