ATI Pharmacology Test Bank Related

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Regarding drugs used in the treatment of status epilepsy:

  • A. phenytoin is useful in status for its sedating as well as anticonvulsant activity
  • B. phenytoin may be diluted in both saline and dextrose
  • C. the effect of diazepam is long lasting
  • D. respiratory depression is a common complication of phenobarbitone
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Phenytoin controls status epilepticus via anticonvulsant action, not sedation, so that's false. It precipitates in dextrose, only saline-compatible, making that false. Diazepam's effect is short-lived, not long-lasting, so that's incorrect. Phenobarbitone commonly causes respiratory depression, a true statement, due to CNS suppression. Phenytoin's rate is 50 mg/min max. This side effect limits phenobarbitone's use, requiring ventilatory support in status management.