Question 1

Which of the following statements regarding status epilepticus is true?&#10;A) This is the medical term given to a person with epilepsy.&#10;B) In this form of epilepsy, the person is affected by a number of different seizure types.&#10;C) In status epilepticus, there is no spontaneous recovery from a seizure.&#10;D) This condition is commonly associated with client compliance with medication.

Accepted Answer

Status epilepticus is a medical emergency where a seizure persists without recovery or periods of consciousness between seizures. It is important to seek immediate medical attention as it can lead to brain damage or even death if left untreated.

Option A is incorrect as epilepsy is a disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, but it is not the medical term for a person with the disorder.

Option B is incorrect as status epilepticus is a specific type of seizure, not a group of seizures.

Option D is incorrect as status epilepticus is not associated with compliance with medication.

Question 2

Which of the following drug mechanisms of action is desirable in the management of seizures?&#10;A) The stabilisation of the nerve membrane&#10;B) Inhibiting the action of glutamate&#10;C) The enhancement of GABA activity&#10;D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

All of the mechanisms of action listed in A, B, and C are desirable in the management of seizures. Stabilization of the nerve membrane helps to prevent the excessive and uncontrolled firing of neurons that can cause seizures. Inhibiting the action of glutamate helps to prevent the over-stimulation of neurons and ultimately seizures. Enhancing the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter that inhibits the activity of neurons helps to prevent seizures as well. Therefore, drugs that have any of these mechanisms of action can be effective in managing seizures.

Question 3

A seizure that manifests as muscle spasms of body parts in sequence is most likely a:&#10;A) myoclonic seizure.&#10;B) absence seizure.&#10;C) psychomotor seizure.&#10;D) Jacksonian seizure.

Accepted Answer

Jacksonian seizures are characterized by muscle spasms that begin in one area and then spread to adjacent areas of the body in a sequence.

Question 4

Spasmolytic muscle relaxants enhance the inhibitory transmitter GABA.How does this action produce a therapeutic effect in seizure management?&#10;A) By reducing hyperexcitability of the motor pathways in the brain and spinal cord&#10;B) By inducing sedation in the patient&#10;C) By altering calcium levels that reduce skeletal muscle contraction&#10;D) Stimulation of GABAergic pathways in the spinal cord

Accepted Answer

Spasmolytic muscle relaxants enhance the inhibitory transmitter GABA, which reduces hyperexcitability of the motor pathways in the brain and spinal cord. This action can be beneficial in seizure management as seizures arise from episodes of abnormal and excessive cortical activity in the brain. By enhancing GABA, spasmolytic muscle relaxants can help reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures.

Question 5

A seizure characterised by an unresponsive,blank state and stereotypic behaviours (such as eyelid fluttering)is:&#10;A) an absence seizure.&#10;B) a psychomotor seizure.&#10;C) a Jacksonian seizure.&#10;D) tonic-clonic seizure.

Accepted Answer

The described seizure in the question is characteristic of an absence seizure, which is also known as a petit mal seizure. This type of seizure can last for a few seconds to half a minute and is usually characterized by a blank stare or a vacant look, unresponsiveness, and stereotypical behaviors such as lip-smacking, blinking or eyelid fluttering. Psychomotor seizures involve complex behaviors such as walking, running or undressing, while Jacksonian seizures involve muscle twitching that starts in one part of the body and spreads to other parts. Tonic-clonic seizures involve rhythmic muscle contractions and loss of consciousness.

Question 6

Which of the following antiseizure medications is associated with severe skin reactions?&#10;A) Valproic acid&#10;B) Phenytoin&#10;C) Vigabatrin&#10;D) Lamotrigine

Accepted Answer

Lamotrigine is associated with severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. This is a rare but potentially life-threatening side effect. Valproic acid, phenytoin, and vigabatrin are not commonly associated with severe skin reactions.

Question 7

Which of the following antiseizure drugs may cause gingivitis and gingival hyperplasia,therefore necessitating the need for meticulous dental care?&#10;A) Phenytoin&#10;B) Carbamazepine&#10;C) Ethosuximide&#10;D) Vigabatrin

Accepted Answer

Phenytoin is known to cause gingivitis and gingival hyperplasia, which can lead to oral hygiene problems. Therefore, patients taking phenytoin require meticulous dental care. Carbamazepine, ethosuximide, and vigabatrin do not typically cause these side effects.

Question 8

Which of the following antiseizure drugs requires visual fields to be tested before commencing therapy and at regular intervals during therapy?&#10;A) Valproic acid&#10;B) Phenytoin&#10;C) Vigabatrin&#10;D) Lamotrigine

Accepted Answer

Vigabatrin has been associated with irreversible visual field defects, so it is recommended to test visual fields before starting therapy and at regular intervals during therapy. Valproic acid may cause liver toxicity, but it does not require visual field testing. Phenytoin may cause peripheral neuropathy, but it also does not require visual field testing. Lamotrigine may cause skin rash, but it also does not require visual field testing.

Question 9

Barbiturates remain in use for seizure management because:&#10;A) they have few serious adverse effects.&#10;B) their antiseizure activity is greater than their sedating activity.&#10;C) physical dependence does not occur.&#10;D) they are safe for use in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Accepted Answer

Barbiturates are still used for seizure management because their antiseizure activity is greater than their sedating activity. However, they have serious adverse effects and physical dependence can occur with long-term use. They are not considered safe for use in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Question 10

The therapeutic action of spasmolytic agents for epilepsy management is:&#10;A) to increase muscle tone.&#10;B) to inhibit muscular spasms.&#10;C) to initiate the efflux of sodium from within cells.&#10;D) none of the above.

Accepted Answer

Spasmolytic agents are used in epilepsy management to inhibit muscular spasms and help control seizures. They work by relaxing muscle contractions and decreasing the excitability of neurons in the brain, which can help prevent the spread of abnormal electrical activity that can trigger seizures. Increasing muscle tone or initiating the efflux of sodium from within cells are not therapeutic actions of spasmolytic agents for epilepsy management.

Question 11

As well as an antiseizure agent,phenytoin is also used for treating:&#10;A) dysrhythmia.&#10;B) ADHD.&#10;C) migraine.&#10;D) Parkinson's disease.

Accepted Answer

The answer of As well as an antiseizure agent,phenytoin is...

Deck 37: Antiseizure Agents and Muscle Relaxants