A nurse working the night shift begins taking modafinil ...

[beccaep]

A nurse working the night shift begins taking modafinil (Alertec). The nurse is telling a coworker about the medication. Which statement is correct?
 
  a. I can take it during pregnancy.
  b. It doesn't have cardiovascular side effects.
  c. It is safe and has no serious adverse effects.
  d. It will not interfere with my normal sleep.

Question 2

A patient reports having occasional periods of tremors, palpitations, nausea, and a sense of fear. To treat this condition, the nurse anticipates the provider will prescribe a drug in which drug class?
 
  a. Benzodiazepines
  b. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
  c. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
  d. Tricyclic antidepressants

[momolu]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Modafinil is used to increase wakefulness in patients with excessive sleepiness, including those with shift-work sleep disorder (SWSD). It acts without disrupting nighttime sleep. It is embryotoxic in laboratory animals and therefore is contraindicated during pregnancy. It can increase the heart rate and blood pressure. In rare cases it has been linked to serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, and toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
This patient is showing characteristics of panic disorder. All three major classes of antidepressants are effective, but selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are first-line drugs. Benzodiazepines are second-line drugs and are rarely used because of their abuse potential. MAOIs are effective but are difficult to use because of side effects and drug and food interactions. Tricyclic antidepressants are second-line drugs, and their use is recommended only after a trial of at least one SSRI has failed.

[beccaep]

Thank you!

[momolu]

Always glad to help...