Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Special Education Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the Ohio Assessments for Educators Special Education exam with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations. Get exam ready!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is a serious side effect of Depakote?

Mild sleepiness
Bristle-like skin rashes
Pancreatitis or liver damage
Upset stomach

The correct answer is: Pancreatitis or liver damage

Depakote, or divalproex sodium, is a medication primarily used to treat epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and migraines. While it can have various side effects, one of the more serious risks associated with its use is the potential for pancreatitis or liver damage. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that can be quite severe and may require immediate medical attention. Symptoms may include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Liver damage can also be significant and may lead to jaundice, fluid accumulation in the abdomen, or liver failure. The risk of these serious conditions necessitates careful monitoring of liver function and pancreatic health in patients taking Depakote, especially during the initial stages of treatment or when the dosage is adjusted. In contrast, mild sleepiness, skin rashes, and an upset stomach are typically considered less serious side effects. While bothersome, these other options do not carry the same level of risk and urgency that pancreatitis or liver damage does, making the latter the most critical concern when evaluating the safety profile of Depakote.