Chapter 18: Drugs used for Seizure Disorders

Which important nursing interventions is associated with administration of diazepam 10 mg IV stat for a patient admitted with status epilépticos?

Apply a cardiac monitor to the patient to assess for continuous heart rate, if not already done. Continuously assess the patient's airway Obtain the correct dose 10 mg and administer over slow IV push

Which dose is within the acceptable range for administering IV phenytoin to a patient with a seizure disorder?

30 mg/min

Which guideline should be followed when administering phenytoin intravenously?

Administer without mixing with other medications

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

Advise the patient that this adverse effect usually resolves but should be reported to the healthcare provider

Which adverse effect should patients taking phenytoin for control of seizures be aware can occur?

Blood dyscrasias Hyperglycemia Gingival hyperplasia Sedation

Which food should be removed from he tray of a pediatric patient on a ketogenic diet for refractory seizure control?

Carbohydrates

A patient on anticonvulsant therapy confides to the nurse at an outpatient clinic that she suspects she may be pregnant. Which action should the nurse encourage the patient to take?

Consult an obstetrician Discontinue medication Consider oral contraception

Which premedication by the nurse is most important prior to the initiation of carbamazepine therapy?

Determine patient's ancestry

Which condition is associated with hydration therapy?

Gingival hyperplasia

Which patient statement indicates a need for further teaching about phenytoin prescribed to manage a seizure disorder?

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

Which 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 toxicity?

Nystagmus

Which statement by the patient recently prescribed pregabalin indicates a need for further instruction?

Once my pain improves, I will stop taking this medication

Which action is appropriate in the nursing management of a patient with generalized tonic-clonic seizure activity?

Placing padding around or under the patient's head Positioning the patient on the side once the relaxation stage is entered to allow oral secretions to drain Requesting additional assistance and necessary equipment in case the patient does not begin breathing spontaneously when the seizure is over

Which symptom is most likely to be assessed in patient prescribed hydantoin therapy with a history of diabetes who has just been diagnosed with seizure disorder?

hyperglycemia

The nurse is preparing to administer zonisamide to a newly admitted patient with the diagnosis of adult partial seizures. Which sign or symptom would cause the nurse to hold medication?

Skin rash Allergy to Bactrim Pruritus

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

Topiramate

Which condition may the patient have carbamazepine prescribed to treat symptoms?

Trigeminal neuralgia pain

Which drug of choice is prescribed for treating a generalized tonic-clonic seizure?

Valproic acid (Depakene)