Author Question: After reviewing information about anticonvulsants, a nursing student demonstrates understanding of ... (Read 29 times)

robinn137 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

After reviewing information about anticonvulsants, a nursing student demonstrates understanding of this group of drugs, identifying which of the following as acting to elevate the seizure threshold by decreasing postsynaptic excitation?

Select all that apply.

A) Clonazepam (Klonopin)
B) Valproic acid (Depakote)
C) Gabapentin (Neurontin)
D) Lorazepam (Ativan)
E) Trimethadione (Tridione)

Question 2

When describing the anticonvulsants to a group of nursing students, the instructor describes which of the following as acting to stabilize the hyperexcitability postsynaptically in the motor cortex of the brain? Select all that apply.

A) Ethosuximide (Zarontin)
B) Phenytoin (Dilantin)
C) Valproic acid (Depakote)
D) Ethotoin (Peganone).
E) Topiramate (Topamax)

tanna.moeller · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Ans: A, D
Feedback:
Benzodiazepines (clonazepam and lorazepam) exert their effect by elevating the seizure threshold by decreasing postsynaptic excitation. Valproic acid increases the levels of GABA, gabapentin is a GABA agonist, and trimethadione decreases the repetitive synaptic transmission of nerve impulses.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: B, D
Feedback:
Hydantoins, like phenytoin (Dilantin) and ethotoin (Peganone), exert their effect by stabilizing the hyperexcitability postsynaptically in the motor cortex of the brain. Ethosuximide depresses the motor cortex, valproic acid increases levels of GABA to stabilize the cell membranes, and topiramate blocks seizure activity instead of raising the threshold.