Comprehensive Nursing Pharmacology Q 18

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Phenobarbital (luminal) is given to a client for a short treatment of anxiety. Which of the following results would indicate a therapeutic serum range of the medication?

  

     A. 5-10 mcg/ml

     B. 15-40 mcg/ml

     C. 45-65 mcg/ml

     D. 50-90 mcg/ml

    

    

Correct Answer: B. 15-40 mcg/ml

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Phenobarbital is a barbiturate, non-selective central nervous system depressant that acts on the GABA receptors, increasing synaptic inhibition. It is used for a short time usually not more than 2 weeks in the treatment of anxiety. The therapeutic serum range of phenobarbital is 15-40 ng/ml.

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