EXAM 2 QUESTION FOR NURS 535
WITH 100% CORRECT ANSWERS
2025/2026
Valproic Acid (Depakote) is FDA approved for - correct answers -acute mania and
maintenance of bipolar
Dosage range for Depakote - correct answers -range is broad (750-3000mg daily)
therapeutic range for depakote is - correct answers -50-125 microgram/mL
Depakote Black Box - correct answers -hepatotoxicity & fatal hepatic failure
Fetal risk: neural tube defects & decreased IQ
mitochondrial disease (contraindicated)
acute, rapidly progressing hemorrhagic pancreatitis (life-threatening): can occur at
any time during treatment.
symptoms of hepatotoxicity - correct answers -malaise, weakness, lethargy, facial
edema, anorexia, and vomiting.
Depakote: Common side effects - correct answers -weight gain
sedation
alopecia
, abdominal pain/nausea
polycystic ovaries (controversial)
decreased bone mineral density (controversial)
Depakote: Drug Interactions - correct answers -use cautiously in conjunction with
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) as depakote will double lamictal levels.
depakote increases phenytoin & Phenobarbital levels
Meds that can increase levels: felbamate, chlorpromazine, fluoxetine,
fluvoxamine, topiramate, cimetidine, erythromycin, ibuprofen, and aspirin.
meds that decrease levels: carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, and
rifampin
Depakote: Testing & Monitoring - correct answers -CMP
Liver Function Tests
CBC with diff & Coagulation tests: agranulocytosis & thrombocytopenia
lipid panel
weight
pregnancy test
Anticonvulsants used for Bipolar Disorder - correct answers -valproate (Depakote)
carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
Oxycarbazepine (Trileptal)
Topiramate (Topamax)
WITH 100% CORRECT ANSWERS
2025/2026
Valproic Acid (Depakote) is FDA approved for - correct answers -acute mania and
maintenance of bipolar
Dosage range for Depakote - correct answers -range is broad (750-3000mg daily)
therapeutic range for depakote is - correct answers -50-125 microgram/mL
Depakote Black Box - correct answers -hepatotoxicity & fatal hepatic failure
Fetal risk: neural tube defects & decreased IQ
mitochondrial disease (contraindicated)
acute, rapidly progressing hemorrhagic pancreatitis (life-threatening): can occur at
any time during treatment.
symptoms of hepatotoxicity - correct answers -malaise, weakness, lethargy, facial
edema, anorexia, and vomiting.
Depakote: Common side effects - correct answers -weight gain
sedation
alopecia
, abdominal pain/nausea
polycystic ovaries (controversial)
decreased bone mineral density (controversial)
Depakote: Drug Interactions - correct answers -use cautiously in conjunction with
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) as depakote will double lamictal levels.
depakote increases phenytoin & Phenobarbital levels
Meds that can increase levels: felbamate, chlorpromazine, fluoxetine,
fluvoxamine, topiramate, cimetidine, erythromycin, ibuprofen, and aspirin.
meds that decrease levels: carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, and
rifampin
Depakote: Testing & Monitoring - correct answers -CMP
Liver Function Tests
CBC with diff & Coagulation tests: agranulocytosis & thrombocytopenia
lipid panel
weight
pregnancy test
Anticonvulsants used for Bipolar Disorder - correct answers -valproate (Depakote)
carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
Oxycarbazepine (Trileptal)
Topiramate (Topamax)
