Author Question: A patient is taking amantadine to treat a viral infection. The patient calls the primary care NP to ... (Read 83 times)

nautica902 · **on:** Jul 24, 2018

A patient is taking amantadine to treat a viral infection. The patient calls the primary care NP to report having blurred vision. The NP should:

a. question the patient about suicidal ideation.
b. tell the patient to stop the medication immediately.
c. counsel the patient to avoid driving until this subsides.
d. tell the patient to come to the clinic for an electroencephalogra m.

Question 2

A 60-year-old patient comes to the clinic reporting a sudden onset of a painful rash that began the day before. The primary care NP notes a vesicular rash along a dermatome on one side of the patient's back. The patient has a low-grade fever.

The NP will prescribe: a. varicella vaccine.
b. acyclovir (Zovirax).
c. metronidazole (Flagyl).
d. amantadine (Symmetrel).

macybarnes · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 24, 2018

Answer to Question 1

C
Blurred vision or impaired mental acuity may result from the use of amantadine. Patients with a history of psychiatric illness may develop suicidal ideation, but this is not associated with blurred vision. It is not necessary to stop the medication. Patients with a history of seizures may have seizures with this drug, but this is not associated with blurred vision.

Answer to Question 2

B
Acyclovir is effective against herpes viruses including the varicella-zoster virus that causes shingles. Varicella vaccine is given to prevent shingles in older patients. Metronidazole is an antiprotozoal. Amantadine is given to treat influenza.