A client complains of gingival hypertrophy and weight loss. The ...

[lak]

A client complains of gingival hypertrophy and weight loss. The nurse knows that this patient has a history of petit mal seizures. What drug is most likely responsible for the client's pathophysiological process?
 
  1. Phenytoin (Dilantin)
  2. Ethosuximide (Zarontin)
  3. Amobarbital (Amytal)
  4. Gabapentin (Neurontin)

Question 2

The nurse is preparing a presentation about antiseizure medications. The nurse plans to include the general mechanisms of actions for these medications. Which items would be appropriate to include? (Select all that apply.)
 
  Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.
 
  1. Delaying an influx of sodium ions
  2. Stimulating an influx of chloride ions, an effect associated with the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
  3. Increasing the neuronal firing in the brain
  4. Delaying an influx of calcium ions
  5. Increasing an influx of potassium ions

[alvinum]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2

Rationale 1: Phenytoin (Dilantin) is not used for petit mal seizures.
Rationale 2: Ethosuximide (Zarontin) causes gingival hypertrophy, and the weight loss is due to mouth pain and the client's unwillingness to eat.
Rationale 3: Amobarbital (Amytal) does not cause these symptoms.
Rationale 4: Gabapentin (Neurontin) does not cause these symptoms.

Global Rationale: Ethosuximide (Zarontin) causes gingival hypertrophy, and the weight loss is due to mouth pain and the client's unwillingness to eat. Phenytoin (Dilantin) is not used for petit mal seizures. Amobarbital (Amytal) does not cause these symptoms. Gabapentin (Neurontin) does not cause these symptoms.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1, 2, 4

Rationale 1: One of the three mechanisms is delaying an influx of sodium ions.
Rationale 2: One of the three mechanisms is stimulating an influx of chloride ions, an effect associated with the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Rationale 3: Increasing the neuronal firing in the brain is incorrect because antiseizure drugs decrease the neuronal firing in the brain.
Rationale 4: One of the three mechanisms is delaying an influx of calcium ions.
Rationale 5: Increasing an influx of potassium ions is not one of the mechanisms of action for epilepsy medications.

Global Rationale: The three mechanism of action include delaying an influx of sodium ions, delaying an influx of calcium ions, and stimulating an influx of chloride ions, an effect associated with the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Increasing the neuronal firing in the brain is incorrect because antiseizure drugs decrease the neuronal firing in the brain. Increasing an influx of potassium ions is not one of the mechanisms of action for epilepsy medications.

[lak]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[tkempin]

Excellent