What is one of the therapeutic uses of Valporate?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Valproate, commonly known as sodium valproate or valproic acid, is a medication primarily used to treat seizures, including epilepsy. It is an antiepileptic drug that works by increasing the levels of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which helps to calm excessive electrical activity that can lead to seizures. Valproate is considered a first-line treatment for various types of seizures, especially absence seizures and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. It is not used for replacing hormones, maintaining blood glucose levels, or lowering blood pressure.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In a patient with a history of pancreatitis and cirrhosis, medications that may exacerbate pancreatic or hepatic issues should be avoided. Among the choices provided, diltiazem is the most suitable antihypertensive medication for this patient. Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that does not rely on hepatic metabolism for its action, making it a safe choice for patients with liver disease. In addition, it does not have a significant effect on pancreatic function, making it a preferred option in a patient with pancreatitis. Therefore, diltiazem is the most appropriate choice for this patient with a history of pancreatitis and cirrhosis who requires treatment for hypertension.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The therapeutic range for digoxin levels is typically between 0.8-2.0 ng/mL. A digoxin level of 1.1 ng/mL falls below the lower end of the therapeutic range, indicating that it is below the level considered effective for therapeutic benefits. Therefore, the correct interpretation by the nurse is that it is below the therapeutic level.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct action is to check the radial pulse for 1 full minute. When administering digoxin, it is important to assess the apical pulse before giving the medication. A heart rate of 53 beats/min is below the normal range, especially for a patient taking digoxin, which can slow heart rate further. The nurse should check the radial pulse for a full minute to verify the heart rate accurately and assess for any abnormalities. This step is crucial to ensure patient safety and prevent potential complications associated with bradycardia. In this situation, it is necessary to withhold the dose and notify the prescriber to determine the appropriate course of action based on the assessment findings.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Heparin is a commonly used anticoagulant medication. It works by inhibiting the formation of blood clots in the body. Anticoagulants like heparin are frequently used to prevent and treat conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, and during certain medical procedures to reduce the risk of clot formation. Heparin is not used to treat hypertension, diabetes, or as a laxative.