A patient is having absence seizures. Which of the following does the nurse expect to be prescribed for this type of seizure? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Valproic acid. Valproic acid is commonly prescribed for absence seizures due to its effectiveness in controlling this specific type of seizure. It works by increasing the levels of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, helping to prevent the abnormal electrical activity that leads to absence seizures. Phenytoin (A) and Phenobarbital (B) are not typically used for absence seizures. Phenytoin is more commonly used for focal and tonic-clonic seizures, while Phenobarbital is often used for generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Clonazepam (D) is also not the first-line treatment for absence seizures. It is more commonly used for myoclonic seizures and certain types of epilepsy syndromes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because alcohol can enhance the side effects of anticholinergic therapy, such as dizziness and drowsiness. Alcohol can also worsen symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Choices B and C are incorrect because there is no direct interaction between cigarettes, caffeine, and anticholinergic therapy. Choice D is incorrect because while it may help relieve dry mouth, it is not specifically related to the use of anticholinergic therapy for Parkinson's disease.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cyclobenzaprine. Cyclobenzaprine is a centrally acting muscle relaxant commonly used to treat muscle spasticity in conditions like multiple sclerosis. It works by inhibiting nerve impulses to reduce muscle spasms. Neostigmine (A) is a cholinesterase inhibitor used for myasthenia gravis, not spasticity. Ropinirole (B) is a dopamine agonist used for Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome, not spasticity. Pyridostigmine (D) is also a cholinesterase inhibitor used for myasthenia gravis, not spasticity.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step 1: Pyridostigmine is a medication used to treat myasthenia gravis by improving muscle strength. Step 2: Underdosing of pyridostigmine can lead to myasthenic crisis, a life-threatening condition characterized by severe muscle weakness. Step 3: Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to include in the teaching plan that underdosing can result in myasthenic crisis to emphasize the importance of taking the medication as prescribed. Step 4: Taking pyridostigmine on time (Choice A) is important for maintaining therapeutic levels but not specifically related to the risk of myasthenic crisis. Step 5: Taking the prescribed dose every other week (Choice B) is incorrect as pyridostigmine is typically taken daily or as directed by the healthcare provider. Step 6: Overdosing of pyridostigmine can result in cholinergic crisis (Choice D), which is a complication but not

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) GABAergic. In this scenario, the woman was prescribed a hypnotic drug for initial insomnia, which suggests the need to enhance inhibitory pathways to promote sleep. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain that helps regulate sleep and reduce neuronal excitability. Drugs that increase GABA activity, such as benzodiazepines or non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics, are commonly used to treat insomnia by promoting relaxation and sleep. Option A) Cholinergic is incorrect because cholinergic neurotransmission is more associated with functions such as memory, muscle movement, and cognitive processing rather than sleep regulation. Option B) Noradrenergic is incorrect as noradrenaline plays a role in arousal, attention, and stress response, which are typically not targeted for insomnia treatment. Option C) Glutamatergic is incorrect because glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain and is involved in cognitive functions, learning, and memory, rather than sleep promotion. Understanding the role of different neurotransmitter systems in drug actions is crucial for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions when prescribing medications for specific conditions like insomnia. This knowledge helps ensure safe and effective treatment outcomes for patients.