Pharmacology Exam 3
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1. What is the Lorazepam IV (Ativan) or Diazepam IV/PR. Then load with Phenytoin/Fos-
first-line drug for phenytoin for maintenance; monitor airway, RR, BP, and ECG.
status epilepticus?
2. Main nursing pri- Protect from injury; pad side rails; turn to side; do not restrain; time the seizure;
orities during a have suction and O₂ ready.
seizure?
3. What is the postic- Reorient patient, monitor vitals and airway, keep side-lying, note duration and
tal nursing care? characteristics.
4. Why should Risk of rebound seizures or status epilepticus.
antiepileptic drugs
never be stopped
abruptly?
5. Barbiturates (Phe- Enhances GABA-mediated chloride influx ’neuronal depression and decreased
nobarbital): mecha- excitability.
nism of action
6. Barbiturates (Phe- Sedation, respiratory depression, ataxia, dependence, and Stevens-Johnson
nobarbital): key ad- Syndrome (rash).
verse effects
7. Barbiturates (Phe- Monitor CNS depression, avoid alcohol/CNS depressants, watch for rash, taper
nobarbital): nurs- slowly.
ing considerations
8. Benzodiazepines Abort active seizures/status epilepticus quickly.
(Diazepam,
Lorazepam):
primary use
2026-04-16
, Pharmacology Exam 3 [Success]
Pharmacology Exam 3
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9. Benzodiazepines: Enhance GABA by increasing chloride channel opening ’neuronal inhibition.
mechanism of
action
10. Benzodiazepines: Respiratory depression, hypotension, sedation. Give IV slowly; monitor RR and
key adverse effects airway; avoid alcohol.
11. Phenytoin (Dilan- Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels ’stabilizes neuronal membranes and
tin): mechanism of limits repetitive firing.
action
12. Phenytoin (Dilan- 10-20 mcg/mL; toxicity causes nystagmus, ataxia, slurred speech, confusion.
tin): therapeutic
range
13. Phenytoin: hall- Gingival hyperplasia, rash (Stevens-Johnson), hepatotoxicity, blood dyscrasias.
mark adverse ef-
fects
14. Phenytoin: IV ad- Normal saline only; give slowly with cardiac monitoring; rapid push can cause
ministration rules hypotension or arrhythmia.
15. Phenytoin: patient Brush and floss gently, regular dental care, don't stop abruptly, avoid alcohol,
teaching take at same time daily.
16. Phenytoin: impor- Reduces effectiveness of oral contraceptives, warfarin, corticosteroids; avoid
tant drug interac- alcohol and CNS depressants.
tions
17. Carbamazepine Blocks sodium channels; used for focal/tonic-clonic seizures and trigeminal
(Tegretol): neuralgia.
mechanism and
use
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, Pharmacology Exam 3 [Success]
Pharmacology Exam 3
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18. Carbamazepine: Agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, hyponatremia, diplopia, dizziness.
key adverse effects
19. Carbamazepine: Monitor CBC and sodium; report fever or sore throat; avoid grapefruit juice;
labs and teaching caution driving early.
20. Levetiracetam Simple kinetics; minimal drug interactions; monitor for mood and behavior
(Keppra): nursing changes (irritability, depression).
focus
21. Gabapentin (Neu- Adjunct for partial seizures or neuropathic pain; causes dizziness, fatigue,
rontin): key teach- edema; adjust dose for renal impairment.
ing
22. Pregabalin (Lyrica): Adjunct for partial seizures, fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain; causes sedation,
key teaching dizziness, weight gain, and edema.
23. Lamotrigine (Lam- Na⁺ channel inhibition; stop immediately if rash develops (Stevens-Johnson);
ictal): high-risk titrate slowly.
warning
24. Topiramate (Topa- Multiple mechanisms; can cause cognitive slowing, paresthesias, weight loss,
max): key side ef- kidney stones, and metabolic acidosis—hydrate well.
fects
25. High-yield exam Status epilepticus: Lorazepam IV first. Phenytoin: 10-20, NS IV only, gingival hy-
triggers perplasia, rash = stop. Carbamazepine: CBC/Na⁺, no grapefruit. Lamotrigine:
rash emergency. Topiramate: cognition “, hydrate to prevent stones. Keppra:
mood/behavior changes. Never stop AEDs abruptly.
26. What is the main SABA (e.g., Albuterol, Levalbuterol) = rapid onset, short-acting ’rescue use only.
difference between LABA (e.g., Salmeterol) = slow onset, long duration ’maintenance therapy.
SABA and LABA in-
halers?
2026-04-16