Seizure medications

Question 1

What is the choice of antiepileptic drug therapy (AED) dependant on?

Answer 1

-seizure type.
-characteristics.
-medical hx.
-results of EEG and other diagnostic tests.
-comorbid conditions.

Question 2

What should patients be educated on in regards to there antiepileptic medication regimen

Answer 2

Never stop taking medication even if “better” without guidance of HCP.
(may cause withdrawal seizures)

Question 3

What parts of the CNS do benzodiazepines work in order to control seizures

Answer 3

Limbic, thalamic, hypothalamic

Question 4

Benzodiazepines have a).. and are used for seizures when other drugs are provens ineffective

Answer 4

a).. limited applications

Question 5

When administering benzodiazepines via IV route, what should the nurse ensure

Answer 5

Resuscitation equipment should be readily available. And the nurse should monitor pt closely for CV collapse and respiratory depression.

Question 6

What considerations should the nurse take when administering or caring for a patient who is taking benzodiazepines

Answer 6

-educate on S+S of resp depression.
-assess for decrease in seizure activity.
-maintain pt safety pre+post seizure (triggers).
-assess for smoking hx (may need bigger dose).
-assess for urinary retention
-do not mix with other drugs parenterally.

Question 7

what is the family last name of benzodiazepines

Answer 7

“azepam”, clorazepate (tranxene) is a exception to the rule.

Question 8

Patient has been seizure and wants to know why they still need blood tests, What would be the best reason?
a). Dilantin thins your blood
b). There is a narrow range between a helpful dose and a dose that is toxic

Answer 8

b). There is a narrow range between a helpful dose and a dose that is toxic

Question 9

What considerations should the nurse take if a patient is taking phenytoin

Answer 9

-shake suspensions well prior to admin.
-watch for extravasation with IV route/
-Check blood levels regularly (lithium/dig)
-Monitor CBC/
-Watch for neuro changes and SE.
-monitor blood glucose in diabetes.
-assess folic acid deficiency

Question 10

antiepileptic

Carbamazepine (tegretol) contraindications/precautions

Answer 10

-increased ocular pressure.
-lupus
-cardiac/hepatic disease.
-HTN
-older adults
-pregnancy (Category D)

Question 11

Valproic acid drug interactions

Answer 11

CNS depressants, alcohol
= additive sedation.
Enzyme-inducing AEDS
=more rapid metabolism.
TCA: increased serum levels.
aspirin, isoniazid, cimetidine= increased serum levels (bleeding risk ).
decreased absorption of cholestyramine

Question 12

What is the tmt for overdose for valproic acid

Answer 12

-Naloxone (narcan)
may also reverse antiseizure action of valproic acid.
-Hemodialysis