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The nurse is reviewing laboratory data for a client with epilepsy taking prescribed valproic acid (VPA). The client's VPA level is 40 mcg/mL (50-125 mcg/mL). Based on the laboratory data, the nurse should
- A. Evaluate the client for non-adherence
- B. Instruct the client to skip the next scheduled dose
- C. Assess the client for VPA toxicity
- D. Document the result as within normal limits
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A VPA level of 40 mcg/mL is below the therapeutic range (50-125 mcg/mL), suggesting possible non-adherence to the prescribed regimen. Skipping a dose is inappropriate, toxicity is unlikely with a low level, and the result is not within normal limits.
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The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with epilepsy. The nurse should anticipate a prescription for which of the following medications? Select all that apply.
- A. Topiramate
- B. Risperidone
- C. Prazosin
- D. Hydroxyzine
- E. Lorazepam
Correct Answer: A,E
Rationale: Topiramate and lorazepam are used for epilepsy (topiramate for seizure prevention, lorazepam for acute seizures). Risperidone, prazosin, and hydroxyzine are not indicated for epilepsy.
A 28-year-old woman presents to the trauma bay after being shot in the upper back. She can move the left side of her body but cannot move the right. However, she cannot feel any pain in her left. The nurse knows these symptoms suggest which type of spinal cord injury?
- A. Incomplete spinal cord injury, central cord syndrome
- B. Incomplete spinal cord injury, Brown-Sequard syndrome
- C. Complete spinal cord injury, paraplegia
- D. Incomplete spinal cord injury, anterior cord syndrome
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Brown-Sequard syndrome involves ipsilateral motor loss and contralateral sensory loss.
The nurse in the emergency department (ED) is caring for a 26-year-old female client.
Item 2 of 6
History and Physical
1702: The client reports a headache that has persisted for 48 hours. She describes the pain as constant, throbbing, and behind her left eye. She states that in the past six months, these headaches have occurred two to three times a month. The client reports visual disturbances, including flashes of light and blurred vision, often precede headaches. During the headache episodes, she experiences nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia. She notes that stress, lack of sleep, and certain foods such as chocolate seem to trigger the headaches. Over-the-counter pain relievers provide minimal relief. Her spouse reports new symptoms, stating that she became confused earlier in the day, had difficulty speaking, and had right arm weakness, all of which resolved before she arrived at the ED. Medical history of generalized anxiety and panic disorder for which she takes escitalopram 20 mg p.o. daily and buspirone 15 mg p.o. daily. Family history of ischemic stroke, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus.
Physical Examination
Neurological exam: Steady gait and cranial nerves grossly intact. Phonophobia.
Pupils: 3 mm and brisk with some tearing in both eyes. Sensitive to pen light.
Head and neck examination: Denies sinus pain and full cervical range of motion.
Integumentary: Skin warm to touch and pale pink in tone.
Cardiovascular: Peripheral pulses 2+ and no peripheral edema.
Respiratory: Clear lung sounds bilaterally.
Gastrointestinal: Reports persistent nausea. Normoactive bowel sounds in all quadrants. No distention.
Psych: Anxious and in moderate distress. Cooperative.
Vital Signs: Blood pressure: 120/80 mmHg Heart rate: 72 bpm Respiratory rate: 16 Temperature: 98.6°F (37°C) Oxygen saturation: 98% on room air
The nurse recognizes that which of the following conditions may feature photophobia? Select all that apply.
- A. Migraine headache
- B. Guillain-Barré syndrome
- C. Meningitis
- D. Delirium
- E. Alzheimer's disease
- F. Parkinson's disease
Correct Answer: A,C
Rationale: Photophobia is a common symptom in migraine headaches and meningitis due to neurological sensitivity and inflammation, respectively. Guillain-Barré syndrome, delirium, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's do not typically cause photophobia.
The nurse is caring for a client receiving prescribed sumatriptan. Which client report would indicate that the client is experiencing an adverse response?
- A. Nervousness
- B. Warm sensation
- C. Angina
- D. Tingling sensation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sumatriptan, a triptan used for migraines, can cause coronary vasospasm, leading to angina (chest pain), a serious adverse effect requiring immediate attention. Nervousness, warm sensation, and tingling are common, less severe side effects.
The nurse is performing medication reconciliation for a client with Parkinson's disease. Which medication should the nurse question with the primary healthcare provider (PHCP)?
- A. Haloperidol
- B. Levodopa-carbidopa
- C. Pramipexole
- D. Ropinirole
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Haloperidol is a typical antipsychotic that blocks dopamine receptors, which can worsen Parkinson's disease symptoms by counteracting the dopamine-enhancing effects of medications like levodopa-carbidopa, pramipexole, and ropinirole, which are used to manage Parkinson's disease.