A patient is newly diagnosed with generalized epilepsy. The ...

[jace]

A patient is newly diagnosed with generalized epilepsy. The primary care NP will refer this patient to a neurologist and should expect this patient to begin taking:
 
  a. phenytoin (Dilantin).
  b. topiramate (Topamax).
  c. lamotrigine (Lamictal).
  d. levetiracetam (Keppra).

Question 2

An adult patient has cellulitis. The patient is a single parent with health insurance who works and is attending classes at a local university. To treat this infection, the primary care nurse practitioner (NP) should prescribe:
 
  a. cefdinir (Omnicef).
  b. cephalexin (Keflex).
  c. cefadroxil (Duricef).
  d. ceftriaxone (Rocephin).

[robbielu01]

Answer to Question 1

A
There is little good-quality evidence to support the use of newer monotherapy over older drugs. Phenytoin is the prototype of many seizure medications and is usually tried first. Other drugs may be used if seizures are resistant to phenytoin or if side effects occur.

Answer to Question 2

C
First-generation cephalosporins, such as cephalexin and cefadroxil, are used for skin and soft tissue infections. Cefadroxil is preferred in this case because it can be given twice daily instead of four times daily, and this patient will be more likely to comply with the drug regimen. Cefdinir and ceftriaxone are both third-generation cephalosporins.

[jace]

Excellent

[xthemafja]

TYSM