A Patient with Partial Seizures Was on Phenytoin and Having

question 3

Multiple Choice

A patient with partial seizures was on phenytoin and having frequent breakthrough seizures. You switch her to valproic acid and she becomes lethargic with ataxia. The most likely cause:

• A) The phenytoin and valproic acid had a synergistic effect
• B) Valproic acid adverse effects were taking effect
• C) The phenytoin was displaced from plasma proteins and reached toxic levels
• D) Valproic acid catalyzed conversion of phenytoin to fosphenytoin
• E) None of the above

---

Definitions:

Monopoly

A market structure characterized by a single seller or producer dominating the entire market, often resulting in limited consumer choice and higher prices.

Downward Sloping

Describes a line on a graph that depicts a decrease in value or quantity as another variable increases, commonly seen in demand curves.

Demand Curve

A graph representing the relationship between the price of a good and the amount of it that consumers are willing and able to purchase at various prices.

Perfectly Inelastic

A situation in demand or supply where a change in price does not result in any change in the quantity demanded or supplied, represented by a vertical curve.