A client is prescribed with carbamazepine (Tegretol) for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Which of the following laboratory results indicates that the client is experiencing a side effect of this medication?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Carbamazepine can cause leukopenia, including neutropenia, as a side effect. A neutrophil count of 1,200/mm3 is below the normal range and indicates a potential adverse effect. Platelet count, uric acid, and SGPT levels are within normal ranges and do not indicate side effects. Therefore, the neutrophil count is the concerning result.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Phenytoin controls status epilepticus via anticonvulsant action, not sedation, so that's false. It precipitates in dextrose, only saline-compatible, making that false. Diazepam's effect is short-lived, not long-lasting, so that's incorrect. Phenobarbitone commonly causes respiratory depression, a true statement, due to CNS suppression. Phenytoin's rate is 50 mg/min max. This side effect limits phenobarbitone's use, requiring ventilatory support in status management.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Reading OTC labels and seeking clarification from a doctor if unclear ensures safe use, reflecting effective education on responsibility. Always calling the doctor is overly cautious-OTC drugs are for self-management. Pharmacists help, but label-reading is primary. Assuming OTC safety ignores risks like ibuprofen's bleeding potential. Label focus empowers clients, balancing autonomy with safety, a key learning outcome.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In pharmacology, a dose-response relationship curve illustrates the relationship between the dose of a drug administered and the response elicited in the body. The plateau phase on this curve represents the point at which the maximum response of the drug is achieved, and further increases in dosage do not lead to additional effects. Option D, marking the location of the beginning of the plateau phase on the dose-response curve, is correct because it corresponds to the horizontal area at the top of the curve. This area indicates that the maximum response has been achieved, and no further increase in response is seen even with higher doses of the drug. Option A, at the beginning of the curve, is incorrect because this point represents the initiation of the dose-response relationship, not the plateau phase. Option B, at the area where the curve moves upward, is also incorrect as this denotes the ascending portion of the curve where the response is increasing with increasing doses. Option C, halfway up the upstroke of the curve, is incorrect because it falls within the ascending phase of the curve, not at the plateau phase. Educationally, understanding the dose-response relationship is crucial for healthcare professionals to optimize drug therapy. Recognizing the plateau phase is essential for determining the appropriate dosage of a drug to achieve the desired therapeutic effect without risking toxicity. This knowledge helps in clinical decision-making and prescribing practices to ensure safe and effective patient care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Lithium toxicity (e.g., tremors, confusion) at narrow therapeutic range (0.6-1.2) is life-threatening-knowing signs (e.g., nausea) and prevention (e.g., hydration) is priority, per safety. Work, ADLs, and mood stability follow but aren't immediate risks. Toxicity awareness saves lives, per education.