Week 5 Antiepileptic Drugs Flashcards
compensatory mechanisms in the brain that operate to maintain pressure w/in the cranial cavity in a safe range
intracranial regulation
Hydantion drug prototype
Phenytoin
Barbiturates drug prototype
phenobarbital
Benzodiazepine drug prototype
diazepam
Seizure that involves one area of the brain and does not spread throughout
partial (focal)seizure
Seizure that begins in one area of the brain and rapidly spreads throughout both hemisphere
generalized seizures
T or F drug choice depends largely on the type of seizure
TRUE!!
What drug classes action stabilizes neuronal membranes and prevents hyperexcitability caused by excessive stimulation; limits the spread of seizure activity
Hydantoins
Indication for Hydantoins
- treatment for tonic-clonic and psychomotor seizures
- prevention of status epilepticus
- treatment of seizures after neurosurgeries
What is the half-life of hydantoins
- 6-24 hrs
- shorter half-life than others
Contraindications of Hydantoins
- associated w/ specific birth defects and should NOT BE used in pregnancy unless the risk of seizures outweighs the potential risks
- edlder or debilitated pts may respond adversely to CNS depression
- coma, depression, or psychoses> can exacerbated CNS depression
Common adverse effects of Hydantoins
- CNS depression
- Steven- Johnsons syndrome
- bone marrow surpression
Drug-drug interactions of Hydantoins
- Avoid alcohol, increased risk of CNS depression
- Avoid ginko, increases risk for serious side effects
Nursing Considerations for Hydantoins
- get baseline physical assessment
- monitor elderly closely
- educate pregnant women
- weane> can’t just stop taking
- administer w/ food
- skin assess
- assess neuro
know seizure baseline/ background
The nurse evaluates the client’s latest serum phenytoin level which is revealed to be 16 mcg/mL. What is the nurse’s best action?
A. Contact the provider to discuss the need for an extra dose of phenytoin
B. Document the fact that the client’s phenytoin level is therapeutic
C. Promptly establish seizure precautions
D. Contact the provider to discuss withholding the next scheduled dose
B!
The therapeutic serum level range for phenytoin is between 10 and 20 mcg/mL. As such, there is no need to contact the provider. Seizure precautions are likely already in place, and if they are not, this laboratory result does not provide an indication for reinstituting them.