Question 1

A client who sustained a spinal cord injury in the past is receiving dantrolene (Dantrium).The nurse reviews the results of which of the following laboratory tests before administering the scheduled dose?

Accepted Answer

Before administering dantrolene (Dantrium), the nurse should review the results of serum creatinine and liver function studies as dantrolene has the potential to cause hepatotoxicity and elevated liver function tests. Additionally, renal function should be assessed as the drug is eliminated through the kidneys. Blood urea nitrogen and uric acid are not typically necessary to check before administering dantrolene. Urinalysis and urine glucose are not relevant to monitoring the effects of dantrolene. Blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c are also not directly relevant to administering dantrolene.

Question 2

The nurse determines that a client does not understand the effect of amantadine (Symmetrel)when the client states that the drug

Accepted Answer

Amantadine (Symmetrel) is primarily used as an antiviral and an antiparkinsonian drug. It can act as an antidyskinetic, potentially elevate mood due to its effects on dopamine, and is effective in treating Parkinson's disease. It does not reduce the seizure threshold; this statement indicates a misunderstanding of the drug's effects.

Question 3

The nurse anticipates that a client who has dementia associated with which health problem may experience reversal of the dementia with drug therapy?

Accepted Answer

Dementia associated with Vitamin B12 deficiency can be reversed with drug therapy if caught early enough. Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's chorea, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease have no known cure and treatment is aimed at managing symptoms.

Question 4

For which of the following should the nurse be alert during the assessment of a client who is about to receive an anticholinergic drug for Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Anticholinergic drugs can cause dilation of the pupils and increase intraocular pressure, which can worsen glaucoma symptoms. Therefore, the nurse should be watchful for any signs of glaucoma in clients who are about to receive anticholinergic drugs for Parkinson's disease. Insomnia, diarrhea, and drooling are not typically associated with anticholinergic drugs.

Question 5

A client with Parkinson's disease has an order for benztropine (Cogentin)on the medication administration record.The nurse plans to monitor this client for which of the following adverse drug effects?

Accepted Answer

Benztropine is an anticholinergic medication that is used to help relieve the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. However, one of the most common side effects of anticholinergic medications is blurred vision. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client for any changes or complaints related to vision, such as blurriness or difficulty focusing. Diarrhea, increased urine output, and insomnia are not typically associated with the use of benztropine.

Question 6

A nurse is assessing the client who was started on drug therapy with carbidopa/levodopa (Sinemet).The nurse would observe for which of the following adverse effects of this drug?

Accepted Answer

Involuntary movements are a potential adverse effect of carbidopa/levodopa therapy, known as dyskinesias. Wheezing is not a common adverse effect of this drug. Sedation can occur but is not a primary adverse effect. Joint swelling is also not a common adverse effect of carbidopa/levodopa.

Question 7

A client who has Parkinson's disease is receiving levodopa (L-dopa).The nurse evaluates that the client is experiencing the intended effects of therapy after noting a decrease in which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Levodopa is used to treat tremor and rigidity (stiffness) associated with Parkinson's disease. It does not have an effect on rate of falls, salivation, or double vision.

Question 8

A client who has a flexed posture is receiving an antispasmodic drug.The nurse concludes that this client has which of the following types of spasticity?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A client who has a flexed posture...

Question 9

A client needs to undergo testing for myasthenia gravis.The nurse prepares which of the following medications used only to diagnose myasthenia gravis,not treat it?

Accepted Answer

Edrophonium (Tensilon) is used for diagnosis of myasthenia gravis due to its short duration of action (5-10 minutes) and rapid onset of action (30-60 seconds). It is not used for treatment of myasthenia gravis. Neostigmine, Pyridostigmine, and Ambenonium are used for treatment of myasthenia gravis.

Question 10

If levodopa therapy is not improving the clinical manifestations of a client who has Parkinson's disease,the nurse anticipates that the client may be changed to another antiparkinsonian drug,such as

Accepted Answer

Amantadine is an antiviral drug that also has antiparkinsonian effects. It can be used as an alternative or adjunct to levodopa therapy in managing symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Methyldopa is used to treat hypertension, Haloperidol is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorders, and Lithium carbonate is used to treat bipolar disorders. None of these drugs have antiparkinsonian effects.

Question 11

A surgical client begins to show manifestation of malignant hyperthermia.Which of the following drugs does the nurse immediately obtain from the medication storage area?

Accepted Answer

Malignant hyperthermia is a life-threatening complication of anesthesia, which is characterized by hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, and metabolic acidosis. Dantrolene (Dantrium) is the only drug that is effective in the management of malignant hyperthermia, by blocking the release of calcium in the skeletal muscles. Therefore, it is important for the nurse to immediately obtain dantrolene from the medication storage area. Options B, C, and D are muscle relaxants that are not indicated for the treatment of malignant hyperthermia.

Question 12

A client taking an anticholinergic drug asks why he must refrain from taking antacids at the same time as the anticholinergic.The nurse uses which explanation to answer the client's question?

Accepted Answer

Antacids reduce the absorption and effects of anticholinergic agents.

Question 13

The nurse mixes the client's skeletal muscle relaxant in ice cream.The nurse explains to the client that this will

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse mixes the client's skeletal muscle...

Question 14

The nurse would be most concerned about which of the following adverse effects exhibited by a client taking tolcapone (Tasmar)for the treatment of Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Tolcapone can cause liver failure, and syncope is a symptom of liver damage. While constipation, sweating, and dry mouth are all common adverse effects of tolcapone, none of them are as concerning as potential liver failure.

Question 15

A client with which of the following problems would not be a candidate for drug therapy with an anticholinergic drug?

Accepted Answer

Anticholinergic drugs can worsen cholestatic jaundice by causing the bile to thicken and accumulate in the liver. Clients with this condition should not be prescribed anticholinergic drugs. Tardive dyskinesia, Parkinson's disease, and drug-induced extrapyramidal reactions can be treated with anticholinergic drugs.

Question 16

A client is newly diagnosed with myasthenia gravis.The nurse teaches the client to take the prescribed anticholinesterase inhibitor drugs in what manner?

Accepted Answer

Anticholinesterase inhibitor drugs should be taken with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.

Question 17

A client who has had Parkinson's disease and has been receiving dopaminergic drugs for 4 years develops unpredictable periods of akinesia.The nurse concludes that this client is most likely experiencing which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The "on-off" phenomenon is a common occurrence in Parkinson's disease patients who have been receiving dopaminergic drugs for several years. It is characterized by unpredictable periods where the medication seems to suddenly lose its effectiveness followed by periods of normal or improved mobility. This phenomenon is not related to drug allergy, insufficient dosing, or drug resistance.

Question 18

The nurse explains to a client with chronic pulmonary disease that refraining from taking anticholinergic drugs is important for which of the following reasons?

Accepted Answer

Anticholinergic drugs inhibit the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that mediates many physiological processes, including the secretion of mucus in the bronchi. Therefore, by inhibiting acetylcholine, anticholinergic drugs decrease bronchial secretions. This can be detrimental to clients with chronic pulmonary disease, as it can worsen breathing difficulties and exacerbate symptoms. Therefore, it is important for clients with chronic pulmonary disease to refrain from taking anticholinergic drugs, unless otherwise directed by their healthcare provider.

Question 19

Which of the following statements should the nurse emphasize when teaching about levodopa?

Accepted Answer

Levodopa can interact with vitamins, particularly vitamin B6, so it is important for the patient to discuss their vitamin use with their doctor. Option A is incorrect because levodopa can interact with food, particularly protein-rich foods, which can decrease its effectiveness. Option B is only partly true; mood and mental aberrations are possible, but not necessarily common. Option D is incorrect as there is no specific fluid intake requirement with levodopa usage.

Question 20

The nurse should advise the client who is taking a high dose of selegiline (Eldepryl)to avoid ingesting foods high in which of the following substances?

Accepted Answer

Selegiline is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) that can interact with tyramine, causing hypertensive crisis. Foods high in tyramine include aged or fermented foods, such as cheese, wine, beer, and soy sauce. Therefore, clients taking high doses of selegiline should avoid consuming foods that are high in tyramine.

Quiz 23: Drugs for Specific Dysfunctions of the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems

A client who sustained a spinal cord injury in the past is receiving dantrolene (Dantrium) .The nurse reviews the results of which of the following laboratory tests before administering the scheduled dose?

The nurse determines that a client does not understand the effect of amantadine (Symmetrel) when the client states that the drug