Week 11: Chapter 25 Study Guide Flashcards
Trade name of: gabapentin
Neurontin
Trade name of: Valproic acid
Depakote
Trade name of: Primadone
Mysoline
Trade name of: Carbamazepine
Tegretol
Trade name of: Clonazepam
Klonopin
Trade name of: Ethosuximide
Zarontin
Trade name of: Phenytoin
Dilantin
Define: Epilepsy
Brain d/o causing recurrent unprovoked seizures
Define: Myoclonic seizure
Brief muscle jerk due to abnormal brain activity
Define: Seizure
Uncontrolled brain activity that may result in physical convulsion
Define: Partial seizure
Abnormal brain activity that starts in one part, my spread to the entire brain
Define: Aura
Tingling, smell, or emotional changes occurring before a seizure
Define: Status epilepticus
Prolonged seizure or series of repeated seizures in a short interval
Define: Absence seizure
Blank stare, chewing movements, lasting less than 29 seconds
Define: Tonic-clonic seizure
Stiffening or rigidity of arm and leg muscles with loss of consciousness
Define: Atonic seizure
Sudden loss of muscle tone followed by confusion
Define: Postictal phase
Interval following a seizure featuring confusion, headache, and fatigue
Define: Generalized seizure
Electrical discharges from both sides of the brain
Loss of coordination, clumsiness: _____________________________
Ataxia
Double vision: ________________________________
Diplopia
Involuntary movements of the eye: ________________________________
Nystagmus
Excessive growth of gum tissue:______________________________
Gingival hyperplasia
Low platelet count: _______________________________________
Thrombocytopenia
Low WBC count: ____________________________________
Neutropenia or Leukopenia
clonazepam (Klonopin):
Action not well understood but most likely slows or stops transmission of abnormal electrical impulses
gabapentin (Neurontin):
Stabilizes the membranes of neurons to decrease seizure activity
phenobarbital (Luminal):
Blocks or slows the spread of abnormal electrical impulses
primidone (Mysoline):
Turns into phenobarbital in the body and blocks or slows the spread of abnormal electrical impulses
What can the nurse do do reduce nausea and vomiting in a pt who is taking carbamazepine (Tegretol)?
Give the medication with food
Which are essential aspects of care for a pt who is experiencing a tonic-clonic seizure?
- Help the person to the floor
- Loosen clothing around the neck
- Remove sharp objects
Which two drugs are given to control seizures may become habit forming?
Phenobarbital (Luminal) and clonazepam (Klonopin)
An older adult is more likely to experience which A/E from a first dose of phenytoin?
Chest pain Confusion Restlessness Nervousness Abnormal Heart beat
Although many drugs to treat seizures are considered category C or D, what are the risks to mother and fetus is a seizure occurs during pregnancy?
Oxygen loss to the fetus
Physical injury to the mother or fetus if a fall occurs
Which statement demonstrates a pts understanding of therapy with valproic acid (Depakote)?
If I notice slowed wound healing, I will call my doctor right away
A pt is taking phenytoin should be instructed to call the prescriber immediately if he or she develops what condition?
Difficulty coordinating movements
The health care facility should plan to have which drug immediately available in the event a pt experiences status epilepticus?
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Good oral hygiene is important for pts who are taking phenytoin (Dilantin) over long periods of time because of what S/E?
Gingival hyperplasia
Which consideration is most important to remember for adolescents who are taking a first line drug for generalized seizures?
Sometimes they stop taking the medication to avoid gum changes
Which instruction is most appropriate for a nurse to teach a pregnant pt who is taking a second line drug for seizures?
Dizziness is more common when taking lamotrigine (Lamictal)
The nurse is obtaining a list of home medications for a pt who will be taking phenytoin (Dilantin) and an anticoagulant. What is the possible interaction between these two drugs?
The pt is at higher risk for bleeding
A pt is taking an antiseizure drug should avoid which food item?
Grapefruit juice
A pt taking valproic acid (Depakote) has developed a nosebleed and bruises resulting from very minor injuries. The pt may be developing which A/E?
Reduced platelet count
During the transfer process between facilities, a pts prescription for phenytoin (Dilantin) was overlooked. What consequence could occur to the pt?
The pt could develop seizures
Which are possible consequences of exposure to phenytoin (Dilantin) during pregnancy?
Increased risk for cleft palate
Growth deficiencies
Skull abnormalities
A pt who takes carbamazepine (Tegretol) is discussing an upcoming vacation to a sunny beach location. Which special instruction is most crucial to provide for this pt?
Wear sunscreen to avoid skin sensitivity
A pt will be taking an antacid to deal with heartburn symptoms. She is also taking phenytoin (Dilantin) to treat seizures. How can the nurse best help the pt schedule use of these medications?
Give the phenytoin 3 hours before taking the antacid
