Drugs Used for Seizure Disorders

The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a patient prescribed phenytoin (Dilantin) for management of a seizure disorder. Which patient statement indicates a need for further teaching?

"If I develop enlarged gums, I will stop taking the medication."

The nurse is providing education to a patient recently prescribed pregabalin (Lyrica). Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further instruction?

"Once my pain improves, I will stop taking this medication."

What dose is within the acceptable range for administering IV phenytoin (Dilantin) to a patient with a seizure disorder?

30 mg/min

What is a guideline for the nurse when administering phenytoin (Dilantin) intravenously?

Administer without mixing with other medications.

Which response by the nurse is accurate when a patient who has been on lamotrigine ( Lamictal) for seizure control reports a skin rash and urticaria?

Advise the patient that this adverse effect usually resolves but should be reported to the health care provider.

The pediatric nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with refractory seizures. The physician orders a ketogenic diet. When the child receives his food tray, the nurse should remove any food containing high levels of:

Carbs

Which premedication assessment by the nurse is most important prior to the initiation of carbamazepine (Tegretol) therapy?

Determine patient's ancestry.

Which condition is associated with hydantoin therapy?

Gingival hyperplasia

The nurse is preparing discharge instructions for a patient with a history of diabetes who has just been diagnosed with seizure disorder. The patient has been prescribed hydantoin therapy. What will the patient most likely experience?

Hyperglycemia

What information would be most important for the nurse to provide to a patient when teaching about the adverse effects of succinimide therapy?

Nausea, vomiting, and indigestion are common during the initiation of therapy.

Which condition would indicate to the nurse that a patient has phenytoin (Dilantin) toxicity?

Nystagmus

Which medication is used to control seizures or prevent migraine headaches?

Topiramate (Topamax)

For which condition may carbamazepine (Tegretol) be used?

Trigeminal neuralgia pain

What is the drug of choice when treating a generalized tonic clonic seizure?

Valproic acid (Depakene)