antiepileptic drugs (3)

Question 1

what is an adverse effect of antiepileptic drugs

Answer 1

black box warning = suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Question 2

_____: barbiturate that has the longest half-life of AEDs which allows for daily dosing

Answer 2

phenobarbital

Question 3

primidone is metabolized in the _____ into phenobarbital

Answer 3

liver

Question 4

what is the most common side effect of barbiturates (phenobarbital and primidone)

Answer 4

sedation

Question 5

name some adverse effects of barbiturates (phenobarbital and primidone)

Answer 5

cardiovascular, CNS, gastrointestinal tract, and dermatologic issues

Question 6

hydantoins (phenytoin) have _____ therapeutic drug levels between q0-20 mcg/mL

Answer 6

narrow (safe levels and toxic levels are very close together; must watch for symptoms of toxic levels)

Question 7

hydantoins are highly protein bound meaning a patient must have an adequate value for what lab

Answer 7

albumin (3.5-5 g/dL)

Question 8

side/adverse effects of hydantoins (phenytoin)

Answer 8

gingival hyperplasia (extra dental care needed), acne, hirsutism, facial changes, osteoporosis

Question 9

name two examples of iminostilbenes

Answer 9

carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine

Question 10

for carbamazepine, hepatic autoreduction results in what

Answer 10

lower than expected drug levels

Question 11

what is gabapentin most often used to treat

Answer 11

peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain)

Question 12

name some of the most common uses of pregabalin

Answer 12

neuropathic pain, postherpetic neuralgia fibromyalgia

Question 13

levetiracetam is used as adjunct therapy to treat _______

Answer 13

focal (partial) seizures

Question 14

lamotrigine is used to treat what (2)

Answer 14

bipolar disorder; focal (partial) seizures

Question 15

what is an adverse effect of lamotrigine

Answer 15

stevens-johnson syndrome

Question 16

for administration of oral antiepileptic drugs what is a nursing implication about when doses should be taken

Answer 16

• take regularly, same time each day
• missing a single does can lead to withdrawal seizures

Question 17

if a patient is taking antiepileptic drugs but is NPO for a procedure what should the nurse do

Answer 17

contact the prescriber regarding new AED dosage and route

Question 18

nursing implication regarding the administration of IV phenytoin

Answer 18

use only normal saline with the medications and push very slowly