Neurology Pharmacology

Question 1

Explain the physiology behind seizure drugs.

Answer 1

• seizures are caused by uncontrolled electrolytes crossing the neuro membrane
• anti-seizure meds block holes in the membrane, slowing the entry of electrolytes
• decreased neuro stimulation –> calmed nerves and mind

Question 2

What are 3 seizure medications?

Answer 2

1. -toin
2. gaba
3. benzos
   * -azepam
   * -azolam

Question 3

-toin
* purpose
* classifiation
* nursing pro tips

5 nursing pro tips

Answer 3

• purpose: treatment of seizures
• classification: anticonvulsant
• nursing pro tips:
  1. NEVER mix with D5W – will revert to powder form when mixed; stop infusion and flush port with NS
  2. typically pts will be on med for life
  3. adverse effects = unsteady gait, rash, diplopia, bleeding gums
  4. therapeutic range = 10 - 20 mcg/mL
  5. phenytoin toxicity = nystagmus, ataxia, confusion

Question 4

gaba
* purpose
* classification
* nursing pro tips

1 nursing pro tip

Answer 4

• purpose: treatment of seizures; off label treatment for pain
• classification: anticonvulsant
• nursing pro tips:
  1. pts must be gradually weaned from meds

Question 5

-azepam & -azolam
* purpose
* classification
* nursing pro tips

4 nursing pro tips

Answer 5

• purpose: treatment of seizures, anxiety; muscle relaxer
• classification: benzodiazepine
• nursing pro tips:
  1. interaction with grapefruit juice – causes drug not to be broken down and stay in system –> potentiation of drug/drug overload
  2. adverse effects = drowsiness
  3. short-term relief of symptoms
  4. calming effect

Question 6

Explain the physiology behind Parkinson’s drugs.

Answer 6

• Parkinson’s is caused by destruction of neurons that produce dopamine in the brain
• drugs aim to increase dopamine levels

Question 7

What is 1 type of Parkinson’s drug?

Answer 7

-dopa

Question 8

-dopa
* purpose
* classification
* nursing pro tips

2 nursing pro tips

Answer 8

• purpose: treatment of Parkinson’s symptoms
• classification: anti-Parkinson’s medication
• nursing pro tips:
  1. avoid eating foods high in protein – will impair effects of drugs
  2. adverse effects = hallucinations –> stop meds and contact provider

Question 9

What is 1 type of Alzheimer’s drug?

Answer 9

-pezil

Question 10

-pezil
* purpose
* classification
* nursing pro tip

2 nursing pro tips

Answer 10

• purpose: treatment of Alzheimer’s symptoms
• classification: cholinesterase inhibitor (increases acetylcholine – which is depleted in Alzheimer’s)
• nursing pro tips:
  1. does not improve dementia, but helps slow cognitive decline and controls emotional responses
  2. music therapy, omega-3 fatty acids, and gingko biloba may help with Alzheimer’s

Question 11

What is 1 type of insomnia drug?

Answer 11

-pidem

Question 12

-pidem
* purpose
* classification
* nursing pro tips

1 nursing pro tip

Answer 12

• purpose: short-term treatment of insomnia
• classification: hypnotic
• nursing pro tips:
  1. adverse effects = hypotension and CNS depression (drowsiness, lightheadedness)