Ch. 10 - Drugs to Treat Myasthenia Gravis and Alzheimer’s Disease Book Questions

Donepezil is an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor. Which of the following is consistent with the action of this drug?

The drug is used to treat mild and severe forms of Alzheimer’s disease.

In Alzheimer’s disease, which pharmacologic action within the brain will reduce the symptoms seen with this progressive disease?

Decreased action of acetylcholinesterase (AChE)

A nurse is teaching a 74-year-old client how to properly apply a rivastigmine transdermal patch. Which of the following statements from the client requires additional teaching?

“The patch needs to be changed weekly.”

The client asks the nurse how the drug memantine works in the body. What is the nurse’s best response to the client’s question?

“The drug binds to the magnesium site on the glutamate receptor to slow calcium influx into the cell.”

A client taking donepezil has been prescribed a new drug. Which drug prescription should the nurse question?

Propranolol

Which AChE inhibitor should be stopped immediately if the client notices a rash?

Galantamine

A client has just been diagnosed with mild Alzheimer’s disease. The health care provider prescribes donepezil oral disintegrating tablet 5 mg daily. What key point should the client be taught about how to take this drug?

“Allow the drug to completely dissolve on your tongue. Do not swallow it whole.”

What indicates an optimal dosage of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors for clients with myasthenia gravis?

Increased ability to raise eyelids

The nurse is assigned to a client with a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. The client was taking pyridostigmine 1000 mg daily. Due to the exacerbation of their symptoms, the provider increased the dose to 1500 mg daily. What condition should the nurse be assessing?

Fluid volume deficit

The nurse should be prepared to administer which drug to a client experiencing a cholinergic drug overdose?

Atropine