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Questions and Answers
What is the onset of action for oral phenobarbital?
What is the onset of action for oral phenobarbital?
How long does it take for phenobarbital to reach therapeutic serum levels?
How long does it take for phenobarbital to reach therapeutic serum levels?
What is the half-life of phenobarbital in children?
What is the half-life of phenobarbital in children?
How does phenobarbital excrete from the body?
How does phenobarbital excrete from the body?
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What is the primary action of phenobarbital?
What is the primary action of phenobarbital?
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For which type of seizures is phenobarbital used as a treatment?
For which type of seizures is phenobarbital used as a treatment?
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How does the IV form of phenobarbital act to control acute seizures?
How does the IV form of phenobarbital act to control acute seizures?
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What is the duration of the oral form of phenobarbital?
What is the duration of the oral form of phenobarbital?
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How long does it take for phenobarbital to reach a steady-state concentration?
How long does it take for phenobarbital to reach a steady-state concentration?
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In what form is phenobarbital used to control acute seizures?
In what form is phenobarbital used to control acute seizures?
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What is the half-life of diazepam?
What is the half-life of diazepam?
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On which system does diazepam primarily act?
On which system does diazepam primarily act?
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For which condition is IV diazepam used?
For which condition is IV diazepam used?
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In which patients should the dosage of diazepam be reduced?
In which patients should the dosage of diazepam be reduced?
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What did the FDA issue a BLACK BOX WARNING for regarding diazepam?
What did the FDA issue a BLACK BOX WARNING for regarding diazepam?
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What are the contraindications for diazepam?
What are the contraindications for diazepam?
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What is a key consideration for the administration of diazepam?
What is a key consideration for the administration of diazepam?
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What is included in patient teaching for diazepam?
What is included in patient teaching for diazepam?
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What are the adverse effects of diazepam?
What are the adverse effects of diazepam?
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How does the half-life of diazepam vary in newborns and the elderly?
How does the half-life of diazepam vary in newborns and the elderly?
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What is a contraindication to phenobarbital use?
What is a contraindication to phenobarbital use?
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Where should parenteral administration of phenobarbital in critical illness be done?
Where should parenteral administration of phenobarbital in critical illness be done?
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What is the most severe adverse effect of phenobarbital?
What is the most severe adverse effect of phenobarbital?
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What is the ultimate goal of therapy with phenobarbital?
What is the ultimate goal of therapy with phenobarbital?
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Which condition may require a lower dose of phenobarbital?
Which condition may require a lower dose of phenobarbital?
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What is the FDA's warning regarding phenobarbital?
What is the FDA's warning regarding phenobarbital?
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Which drugs interact with phenobarbital, increasing its effects?
Which drugs interact with phenobarbital, increasing its effects?
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How should IV phenobarbital be injected to avoid complications?
How should IV phenobarbital be injected to avoid complications?
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What should patients taking phenobarbital be monitored for?
What should patients taking phenobarbital be monitored for?
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What should be included in patient teaching for phenobarbital?
What should be included in patient teaching for phenobarbital?
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Study Notes
Phenobarbital Use and Nursing Implications
- Older adults are at a higher risk for sedation and adverse drug reactions due to decreased absorption and altered renal excretion of phenobarbital.
- Patients with decreased creatinine clearance may not be able to excrete phenobarbital adequately, while those with hepatic impairment require a lower dose to prevent adverse effects.
- Parenteral administration of phenobarbital in critical illness should be done in a critical care unit for constant monitoring and early resuscitation in the event of respiratory arrest.
- Adverse effects of phenobarbital include CNS depression, cognitive impairment, somnolence, agitation, confusion, vertigo, nightmares, and the most severe being Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
- The FDA has issued a BLACK BOX WARNING for phenobarbital due to the risk of suicidal ideation and depression in patients taking the medication.
- Contraindications to phenobarbital include known hypersensitivity to barbiturates, liver failure, nephritis, porphyria, respiratory depression, pregnancy, or addiction to barbiturates.
- Several drugs interact with phenobarbital, increasing its effects, such as opioid analgesics, corticosteroids, doxycycline, estrogens, hormonal contraceptives, oral anticoagulants, and tricyclic antidepressants.
- Oral administration of phenobarbital may occur without regard to food, while parenteral administration may involve combining the medication with specific solutions.
- When administering IV phenobarbital, the nurse injects it into large veins at an infusion rate no faster than 60 mg/minute to avoid complications.
- The ultimate goal of therapy with phenobarbital is to decrease seizure effects, assessed through the patient's EEG revealing decreased brain waves consistent with seizure activity.
- The nurse assesses for adverse effects of phenobarbital, including increases in CNS activity consistent with paradoxical excitation, respiratory problems, changes in the integumentary system, and blood tests for toxicity and inadequate seizure treatment.
- Patient teaching for phenobarbital includes guidelines for long-term administration, regular tests for serum levels, precautions for drowsiness, contraception for women of childbearing age, and notifying the prescriber about rashes or skin eruptions.
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Description
Test your knowledge of phenobarbital use and nursing implications with this quiz. Explore considerations for older adults, contraindications, adverse effects, drug interactions, administration guidelines, and patient teaching related to phenobarbital therapy.