NCLEX RN PHARMACOLOGY - NEUROLOGICAL MEDICATIONS / FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE

Carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet) is prescribed for a client with Parkinson's disease. The nurse monitors the client for side/adverse effects to the medication. Which finding indicates that the client is experiencing an adverse effect? 1. Pruritus 2. Tachycardia 3. Hypertension 4. Impaired voluntary movements 4. Impaired voluntary movements The home health nurse visits a client who is taking phenytoin (Dilantin) for control of seizures. During the assessment, the nurse notes that the client is taking birth control pills. Which information should the nurse include in the teaching plan? 1. Pregnancy should be avoided while taking phenytoin. 2. The client may stop the medication if it is causing severe gastrointestinal effects. 3. There is the potential of decreased effectiveness of birth control pills while taking phenytoin. 4. There is the increased risk of thrombophlebitis while taking phenytoin and birth control pills together. 3. There is the potential of decreased effectiveness of birth control pills while taking phenytoin. The nurse is caring for a client in the emergency department who has been diagnosed with Bell's palsy. The client has been taking acetaminophen (Tylenol), and acetaminophen overdose is suspected. Which antidote should the nurse anticipate to be prescribed? 1. Pentostatin (Nipent) 2. Auranofin (Ridaura) 3. Fludarabine (Fludara) 4. Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) 4. Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) Meperidine hydrochloride (Demerol) has been prescribed for a client to treat pain. Which are side/adverse effects of this medication? Select all that apply. 1. Diarrhea 2. Tremors 3. Drowsiness 4. Hypotension 5. Urinary frequency 6. Increased respiratory rate 2. Tremors 3. Drowsiness 4. Hypotension A client is taking the prescribed dose of phenytoin (Dilantin) to control seizures. Results of a phenytoin blood level study reveal a level of 35 mcg/mL. Which finding would be expected as a result of this laboratory result? 1. Hypotension 2. Tachycardia 3. Slurred speech 4. No abnormal finding 3. Slurred speech The client arrives at the emergency department complaining of back spasms. The client states, "I have been taking two to three aspirin every 4 hours for the last week, and it hasn't helped my back." Since aspirin intoxication is suspected, the nurse should assess the client for which manifestation? 1. Tinnitus 2. Diarrhea 3. Constipation 4. Photosensitivity 1. Tinnitus A client with trigeminal neuralgia is being treated with carbamazepine (Tegretol), 400 mg orally daily. Which value indicates that the client is experiencing an adverse effect to the medication? 1. Uric acid level, 5 mg/dL 2. Sodium level, 140 mEq/L 3. Blood urea nitrogen level, 15 mg/dL 4. White blood cell count, 3000 cells/mm3 4. White blood cell count, 3000 cells/mm3 The nurse is caring for a client with severe back pain. Codeine sulfate has been prescribed for the client. Specific to this medication, which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care while the client is taking this medication? 1. Monitor radial pulse. 2. Monitor bowel activity. 3. Monitor apical heart rate. 4. Monitor peripheral pulses. 2. Monitor bowel activity. The nurse has given medication instructions to a client receiving phenytoin (Dilantin). Which statement indicates that the client has an adequate understanding of the instructions? 1. "Alcohol is not contraindicated while taking this medication." 2. "Good oral hygiene is needed, including brushing and flossing." 3. "The medication dose may be self-adjusted, depending on side effects." 4. "The morning dose of the medication should be taken before a serum drug level is drawn."