A chronic neurologic disorder defined by recurrent, unprovoked seizures is called epilepsy.
Missing Word
epilepsy
Epilepsy reflects an ongoing imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory brain activity. A single seizure caused by fever or low blood sugar is not by itself this disorder.
Category: Seizure Basics
Question 2
Selective serotonin 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonists that constrict dilated cranial vessels to stop a migraine attack form the drug class called the triptans.
Missing Word
triptans
Triptans are abortive drugs taken early in an attack. Because they constrict blood vessels, they are avoided in coronary artery disease, uncontrolled hypertension and peripheral vascular disease.
Category: Migraine Drugs
Question 3
Involuntary, rhythmic jerking movements of the eyes that can signal phenytoin toxicity are called nystagmus.
Missing Word
nystagmus
Nystagmus is often the first sign that a phenytoin level is too high, followed by ataxia and slurred speech. It should be reported so the level can be checked.
Category: Hydantoins and Barbiturates
Question 4
An unsteady, uncoordinated gait that can signal toxicity from anticonvulsants such as phenytoin or carbamazepine is called ataxia.
Missing Word
ataxia
Ataxia comes from impaired cerebellar function and raises fall risk. It is a dose-related sign that often improves when the dose is lowered.
Category: Anticonvulsant Nursing Care
Question 5
Topiramate commonly causes paresthesia, a tingling or prickling feeling in the hands and feet that is usually mild.
Missing Word
paresthesia
Paresthesia is an abnormal skin sensation such as tingling or pins and needles without an outside cause. With topiramate it is among the most common adverse effects and is reported if it becomes bothersome or persistent.
Category: Other Anticonvulsants
Question 6
The water-soluble prodrug that is converted to phenytoin in the body and can be given IV or IM is fosphenytoin.
Missing Word
fosphenytoin
Fosphenytoin is less irritating to veins than phenytoin and is compatible with more IV fluids, which makes it useful in emergencies such as status epilepticus.
Category: Hydantoins and Barbiturates
Question 7
Phenytoin belongs to the class of anticonvulsants called the hydantoin drugs.
Missing Word
hydantoin
Hydantoins stabilize neuron membranes by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels. The class requires blood level monitoring because the therapeutic range is narrow.
Category: Hydantoins and Barbiturates
Question 8
Phenobarbital, an older anticonvulsant that also causes sedation and carries a high risk of dependence, belongs to the barbiturate class.
Missing Word
barbiturate
Barbiturates enhance GABA and depress the central nervous system. Their dependence and overdose risks are why newer anticonvulsants are generally preferred.
Category: Hydantoins and Barbiturates
Question 9
Valproic acid carries a boxed warning for pancreatitis, an inflammation of the gland that makes insulin and digestive enzymes, so new severe abdominal pain with vomiting is reported at once.
Missing Word
pancreatitis
Pancreatitis from valproic acid can be life-threatening and can develop at any point in therapy. Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite is evaluated promptly, and the drug is stopped if pancreatitis is confirmed.
Category: Other Anticonvulsants
Question 10
Treating a seizure disorder with a single anticonvulsant drug rather than a combination is called monotherapy.
Missing Word
monotherapy
Monotherapy reduces adverse effects, drug interactions and cost, and it improves adherence. A second drug is added only when one drug at a tolerated dose fails to control seizures.
Category: Anticonvulsant Nursing Care
Question 11
Swelling of the optic disc seen during an eye exam as a sign of increased intracranial pressure is called papilledema.
Missing Word
papilledema
Papilledema forms when raised pressure in the skull is transmitted along the optic nerve sheath. It can cause vision loss if the pressure is not relieved.
Category: Intracranial Pressure Drugs
Question 12
When intracranial pressure rises too high, brain tissue can be pushed through openings in the skull, a life-threatening event called herniation.
Missing Word
herniation
Herniation compresses the brainstem and can cause fixed, dilated pupils, loss of consciousness and death. Drugs such as mannitol and hypertonic saline are used to lower pressure before this happens.
Category: Intracranial Pressure Drugs
Question 13
Sensitivity to light that commonly accompanies a migraine attack is called photophobia.
Missing Word
photophobia
Photophobia is why patients are cared for in a dark, quiet room during an attack. Many patients also have sensitivity to sound and nausea.
Category: Migraine Drugs
Question 14
A visual disturbance such as flashing lights or zigzag lines that comes shortly before some migraine headaches is called an aura.
Missing Word
aura
An aura usually develops over several minutes and lasts less than an hour before or with the headache. Not every person with migraines has one.
Category: Migraine Drugs
Question 15
The 5-HT1F receptor agonist for acute migraine that does not constrict blood vessels but can impair driving is lasmiditan.
Missing Word
lasmiditan
Lasmiditan is a ditan, distinct from the triptans because it lacks vasoconstrictor activity. It causes dizziness and drowsiness, so patients do not drive for several hours after a dose.
Category: Migraine Drugs