Which of the following drugs can suppress seizure activity and decrease the frequency of migraine headache?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Valproate is a medication commonly used to treat seizures and prevent migraine headaches. It acts by suppressing seizure activity and stabilizing electrical activity in the brain. Valproate is a broad-spectrum anticonvulsant drug that can be an effective treatment for epilepsy and migraine prophylaxis. It works by increasing the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity, thus reducing the frequency and severity of seizures and migraine attacks. Glipizide is an oral antidiabetic drug used to treat type 2 diabetes, hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic used to treat high blood pressure, and atropine is a medication with various uses, including dilating the pupils and reducing secretions during surgery.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The half-life is the time required for the concentration of a drug in the blood to decrease by 50%. It serves as an indication of the time required for a dosing regimen to achieve a steady state concentration of the drug in the blood. Understanding the half-life of a drug is crucial for determining the dosing interval needed to maintain therapeutic levels. Long half-lives require less frequent dosing to reach steady state, while short half-lives demand more frequent dosing to achieve the desired drug concentration in the blood over time.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Naloxone is a medication used to treat opioid overdose by rapidly reversing the effects of opioids on the central nervous system. It works by binding to the same receptors in the brain that opioids target, effectively displacing the opioids and reversing their effects. Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing in individuals who have overdosed on opioids, potentially saving their lives. It is commonly administered in emergency situations, such as in hospitals, ambulances, and by first responders. Naloxone is an essential tool in treating opioid overdose and is considered a life-saving medication in such cases.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for the patient taking clopidogrel (Plavix) and aspirin prior to orthopedic surgery is to continue taking aspirin and stop taking clopidogrel 2 weeks before the surgery. This recommendation is based on the pharmacokinetics of clopidogrel, which has a longer duration of action and requires a longer timeframe for platelet function to return to baseline after discontinuation. Aspirin, on the other hand, has a shorter duration of action, and its antiplatelet effects diminish more rapidly once it is stopped. By continuing aspirin and stopping clopidogrel 2 weeks before surgery, the patient can minimize the risk of excessive bleeding during the surgical procedure while still maintaining some level of antiplatelet effect to prevent thrombotic events.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Interleukin 2 is administered intravenously because it is a protein that would be broken down in the digestive system if taken orally. Epoetin alfa, granulocyte colony–stimulating factor (G-CSF), and granulocyte-macrophage colony–stimulating factor (GM-CSF) can be administered subcutaneously. The nurse should ensure proper administration of interleukin 2 and monitor for side effects, such as capillary leak syndrome, which can cause fluid retention and hypotension.