Nursing Application: Antiepilectic Drugs

The client complained that their antiepilectic drug (AED) caused them to be tired during the day. What should be the nurse's next response?

Take your medication at night.

A client who has been taking phenytoin has their repeat phenytoin level monitored with a result of 4 mcg/ml. What should the nurse do next?

*Ask the client if they are taking any new over the counter medication not prescribed. *Ask the client if they are taking the medication as prescribed.

The patient is receiving phenytoin intravenously (IV). What should be carefully monitored? Select all that apply.

*Electrocardiogram (ECG) *CNS depression *Hypotension

What laboratory and diagnostic tests would the nurse anticipate for the client with seizures? (Select all that apply​.)

*Electrocardiogram (ECG) *Electroencephalogram (EEG) *Liver enzymes *Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Which are advantages to using fosphenytoin over the use of phenytoin in the treatment of tonic-clonic and focal seizures? Select all that apply.​

*Fosphenytoin causes less irritation to veins than phenytoin.​ *Fosphenytoin can be given as an intramuscular injection.​ *Fosphenytoin can be administered faster than phenytoin.​

Which actions of antiepileptic medications reduce seizure activity? Select all that apply.​

*Increase effects of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA).​ *Suppress the transmission of nerve impulses. *Suppress nerve response to stimulation.​

The nurse was caring for a client experiencing a tonic-clonic seizure. The healthcare provider prescribed intravenous diazepam. Which of the following are appropriate actions by the nurse? Select all that apply. You may use a drug reference guide for assistance.

*Monitor the client vital signs closely.​ *Administer the medication slowly over at least 1 minute per 5 milligrams. *Avoid administering the medication into small veins.

The nurse is caring for a client prescribed valproic acid. Which are common side effects? Select all that apply.​

*Sedation *Nausea *Insomnia

A client presents to the clinic and reports taking several over the counter medications, in addition to their prescribed valproic acid. Which over the counter medication is contraindicated when taking valproic acid? ​

Aspirin

A nurse administered a client's phenytoin via an intermittent intravenous infusion. The client complained of burning at the infusion site. Which is the nurse's priority action? ​

Assess the intravenous catheter insertion site.

The nurse is completing an assessment of the client who was admitted to the hospital after having a tonic-clonic seizure. The client is prescribed phenytoin. Which assessment finding is most concerning to the nurse?​

BP is 74/50

The nurse is preparing a teaching plan for a client newly prescribed an antiepileptic drug. Which of the following is a priority?

Call your healthcare provider if you experience suicidal ideations.

Which of the following foods should be avoided while taking oral formulations of valproic acid?

Milk

What is the black box warning for all clients prescribed antiepileptic drugs?

Suicidal ideations

The client was prescribed phenytoin. Based on the client's medication list, which medication may have a negative drug interaction? You may use a drug reference guide for assistance. ​

Warfarin

A client is receiving phenytoin medication instructions during discharge planning and is asking why monitoring laboratory values in needed. The nurse's best response is:

We are checking the therapeutic levels of the medication.