Seizure Quiz

Question 1

What is the use of diazepam and lorazepam (benzos) in status epilepticus?

Answer 1

Most effective class of drug in most patients for stopping attacks

Question 2

How are benzos administered in status epilepticus?

Answer 2

Directly via IV push

Question 3

What is the use of phenytoin in status epilepticus?

Answer 3

Used as continuing therapy, NOT first line for status epilepticus

Question 4

Which of the following are correct statements about phenytoin when used in the management of seizure disorders?

A) Dose selection is largely by “trial and error” and large dose increases are often recommended as the safest way to achieve seizure control
B) The therapeutic index is very wide an d ADRs are uncommon
C) Symptoms of intoxication include slurred speech, dizziness, and confusion
D) Phenytoin is often coadministered with a carboxylase inhibitor to increase CNS activity

Answer 4

C

A and D are wrong bc large doses or assistive medications are not needed, absorption of phenytoin is already high

B is wrong bc dt its high absorption, phenytoin has a narrow therapeutic index and ADRs are common

Question 5

Carbamazepine MOA

Answer 5

Blocks Na+ channels at therapeutic concentrations and inhibits high frequency repetitive firing in neurons

Question 6

Gabapentin and pregabalin MOA

Answer 6

Does not act directly on GABA receptors, however, does modify release of GABA by interfering with CNS conduction (specifics are unknown)

Question 7

Gabapentin and pregabalin MOA

Answer 7

Does not act directly on GABA receptors, however, modifies release of GABA

Question 8

Levetiracitam MOA

Answer 8

Modifies release of glutamate and GABA via interaction with the synaptic vesicular protein

Question 9

Phenytoin MOA

Answer 9

Blocks Na+ channels at therapeutic concentrations and inhibits high-frequency repetitive firing in neurons

Question 10

Phenytoin is one of a few drugs known to be subject to restrictive clearance. Medications having restrictive clearance:

A) Have very low affinity for metabolic enzymes
B) Increasing the dose may exceed the capacity to metabolize the medication
C) Adding a medication having a higher affinity for metabolic enzymes can result in excessive levels of the target medication
D) All of the above

Answer 10

D