ATI RN
Central and Peripheral Nervous System Drugs Questions
Question 1 of 5
This drug is effective in all forms of epilepsy in all age groups.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Carbamazepine. Carbamazepine is a broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug effective in various forms of epilepsy across all age groups. It works by stabilizing neuronal membranes and reducing repetitive firing of neurons. Acetazolamide (A) is a diuretic used for certain types of seizures. Ethosuximide (C) is mainly used for absence seizures. Felbamate (D) is reserved for refractory epilepsy cases due to its potential serious side effects. Therefore, Carbamazepine is the best choice for treating epilepsy across different forms and age groups.
Question 2 of 5
A 54-year-old woman with a previously well-controlled seizure disorder was brought to the hospital because of recurrent, generalized tonic-clonic seizures. The patient was intubated and mechanically ventilated. She was treated with intravenous diazepam and fosphenytoin but continued to exhibit intermittent seizures and did not regain consciousness between them. A diagnosis of refractory status epilepticus was made. A large dose of which of the following drugs would be appropriate to add to the patient's therapy at this time?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Valproic acid. Valproic acid is a broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug effective in treating refractory status epilepticus. It acts on multiple mechanisms, making it suitable for cases not responding to first-line treatments. Diazepam (A) is already being used, and adding more might not be effective. Ethosuximide (B) is indicated for absence seizures, not generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Carbamazepine (D) is ineffective in treating status epilepticus.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following drugs most likely caused the patient's signs and symptoms?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Lamotrigine. Lamotrigine is known to cause a rare but serious skin reaction called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS). The patient's signs and symptoms are consistent with SJS, which include fever, sore throat, skin rash, and blistering. Gabapentin (A), Clonazepam (C), and Phenytoin (D) are not commonly associated with SJS. Summary: A, C, and D are incorrect as they are not known to cause SJS, unlike Lamotrigine which is a known culprit for this severe skin reaction.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following drugs was most likely prescribed for the 12-year-old girl with extensive jaundice?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Lamotrigine. Lamotrigine is commonly prescribed for epilepsy, which can present with symptoms like jaundice. As a 12-year-old girl with extensive jaundice, the most likely underlying condition is epilepsy, making lamotrigine the appropriate choice. Gabapentin (A) is not typically used for jaundice or epilepsy in children. Phenobarbital (C) is an older antiepileptic drug with more side effects than lamotrigine, making it less likely for a pediatric patient. Diazepam (D) is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety and seizures but is not the first-line treatment for epilepsy in children.
Question 5 of 5
Which drug was most likely prescribed for the 44-year-old woman with poorly controlled simple partial seizures that was only partially effective with valproic acid?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step 1: Identify the patient has poorly controlled simple partial seizures. Step 2: Valproic acid is partially effective. Step 3: Consider alternative options for drug-resistant partial seizures. Step 4: Perampanel is an FDA-approved treatment for partial-onset seizures in patients aged 12 and older. Step 5: Perampanel works by blocking glutamate receptors, reducing neuronal excitability. Therefore, it is the most appropriate choice for this patient. Other choices are not specifically indicated for partial seizures or have different mechanisms of action.