Epilepsy Drug Dosage and Treatment

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What is the maximum dose of diazepam that can be administered per minute?

1 mg/min

5 mg/min (correct)

10 mg/min

2 mg/min

Why should benzodiazepines not be mixed with other medications in the same syringe?

To prevent overdose

To enhance efficacy

To prevent precipitate formation (correct)

To reduce cost

What is the primary purpose of ECG monitoring during benzodiazepine administration?

To monitor seizure activity

To monitor respiratory rate

To monitor blood pressure

To monitor heart rate and detect bradycardia (correct)

What is the recommended dosage of diazepam for status epilepticus?

Red at 10- to 15 mg intervals Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms?

Rebound anxiety Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common neurologic adverse effect of benzodiazepines?

Drowsiness Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of action of benzodiazepines in preventing seizure activity?

Enhancing the effects of GABA in the postsynaptic clefts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following benzodiazepines is approved for oral treatment of absence, akinetic, and myoclonic seizures in children?

Clonazepam Signup and view all the answers

What is the administration route for diazepam and lorazepam in treating status epilepticus?

Intravenous Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of clorazepate in treating seizures?

As an adjunctive therapy for partial seizures Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the nasal spray formulation of diazepam used to treat seizure clusters?

Valtoco Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of increased levels of GABA on the chloride channel?

Opening the chloride channel Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary site of action of the hydantoins?

Motor cortex Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the hydantoins blocking voltage-gated sodium channels?

Reduced sustained neuronal discharges Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended rate of administration of diazepam?

5 mg/min Signup and view all the answers

Why is fosphenytoin particularly useful in certain situations?

It can be loaded quickly, making it useful when rapid administration is necessary Signup and view all the answers

Why is it recommended to administer phenytoin through a large vein or as an IV piggyback?

To prevent irritation to small veins Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential side effect of phenytoin in toxic concentrations?

Seizure induction Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using an ECG monitor during the administration of diazepam or lorazepam?

To monitor for bradycardia Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential adverse effect of benzodiazepines that patients should be cautioned about?

Blurred vision Signup and view all the answers

What is the main use of the hydantoins in terms of seizure treatment?

Treating generalized tonic-clonic seizures Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following medications can increase the toxic effects of diazepam?

Analgesics Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of cigarette smoking on benzodiazepine use?

Increased metabolism of benzodiazepines Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between seizure clusters and status epilepticus?

The duration of seizure activity Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of performing a baseline assessment of a patient's speech patterns, degree of alertness, and orientation?

To monitor the patient's behavioral responses to therapy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a therapeutic outcome expected from benzodiazepine therapy?

Reduced injury from seizure activity Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of reviewing the patient's medical record in the premedication assessment?

To document the frequency of seizure activity Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for performing a review of routine blood studies in the premedication assessment?

To detect blood dyscrasias and hepatotoxicity Signup and view all the answers