unit 3 study guide

Question 1

What is a seizure episode?

Answer 1

Abnormal electrical activity/ convulsions (involuntary spasmodic muscle contractions)

Question 2

Define epilepsy.

Answer 2

Chronic recurrent seizures

Question 3

What is a primary seizure?

Answer 3

No cause

Question 4

What is a secondary seizure?

Answer 4

Distinct cause such as trauma, infection, or cerebrovascular disorder

Question 5

Differentiate between focal and generalized seizures.

Answer 5

Focal seizure: localized area; Generalized seizure: both hemispheres

Question 6

What is a tonic-clonic seizure?

Answer 6

Tonic - body spasms; Clonic - contraction & relaxation

Question 7

What characterizes an absence seizure?

Answer 7

Loss of awareness

Question 8

Define status epilepticus.

Answer 8

Back to back seizures (no recovery in-between)

Question 9

What is the main purpose of antiepileptic drugs?

Answer 9

Control/ prevent seizures and maintain quality of life

Question 10

What percentage of patients are controlled with a single drug therapy?

Answer 10

70%

Question 11

What must occur before multiple drugs are added for seizure management?

Answer 11

Must fail single drug therapy

Question 12

Is drug therapy given for a single seizure event?

Answer 12

No

Question 13

What is the recurrence rate of seizures?

Answer 13

40%

Question 14

What factors influence drug choice for antiepileptic therapy?

Answer 14

• Seizure type
• Effects
• Interactions
• Cost/use
• Dosage form

Question 15

What is the mechanism of action of antiepileptic drugs?

Answer 15

Limit spread of seizure (suppress impulse) and increase GABA levels

Question 16

What are common contraindications for antiepileptic drugs?

Answer 16

• Allergy
• Pregnancy

Question 17

What are common effects of antiepileptic drugs?

Answer 17

• Individualized
• Nausea/Vomiting/Diarrhea
• Suicidal thoughts/behaviors

Question 18

What is Phenytoin used for?

Answer 18

General & focal seizures

Question 19

What are the effects of Phenytoin?

Answer 19

• Lethargy
• Abnormal movement
• Mental confusion
• Osteoporosis
• Acne

Question 20

What is Gabapentin primarily used for?

Answer 20

Focal seizures and neuropathic pain

Question 21

What should Valproic Acid not be taken with?

Answer 21

Carbonated beverages

Question 22

What is the primary action of indirect dopaminergic drugs?

Answer 22

Prevent dopamine breakdown

Question 23

What are common effects of MAOIs?

Answer 23

• Headache
• Nausea/Diarrhea
• Insomnia
• Weight loss
• Dizziness
• Hypotension
• Dyskinesia

Question 24

What does Amantadine do?

Answer 24

Releases dopamine, prevents its uptake

Question 25

What is the primary action of COMT inhibitors?

Answer 25

Prevents dopamine breakdown, prolongs levodopa

Question 26

What is the action of NDDRAs?

Answer 26

Stimulate dopamine production

Question 27

What are the effects of anticholinergic drugs?

Answer 27

* Dry mouth * Constipation * Decreased salivation * Urinary retention * Dilation of pupils * Muscle relaxation

Question 28

What is the primary use of buspirone?

Answer 28

Anxiolytic for anxiety disorders

Question 29

What is the therapeutic range for lithium?

Answer 29

0.6-1.2 mEq/L

Question 30

What are the contraindications for lithium?

Answer 30

* Sodium imbalance * Dehydration * Renal/cardio disease

Question 31

What are common effects of antidepressants?

Answer 31

Subjective effectiveness, black box warning for suicide risk

Question 32

What are the contraindications for antipsychotic medications?

Answer 32

* Allergies * CNS depression * Brain damage * Liver/kidney disease * Epilepsy

Question 33

What is the risk associated with elderly patients taking antipsychotics?

Answer 33

Increased risk of death

Question 34

What is the management for alcohol withdrawal?

Answer 34

* Mild: benzodiazepines * Moderate: fluid/nutrition replacement, ICU monitoring * Severe: thiamine, hydration, magnesium replacement

Question 35

What is disulfiram (Antabuse) used for?

Answer 35

Alters alcohol metabolism

Question 36

What are the effects of nicotine withdrawal?

Answer 36

* Irritability * Restlessness * Decreased heart rate and blood pressure

Question 37

What is the primary action of Nicotine replacement therapy?

Answer 37

Provides an alternative source of nicotine to reduce withdrawal symptoms