A client has been started on an anticonvulsant for a seizure disorder and asks how long he will need to take the medication. What is the nurse's best response?

"You will need to take an anticonvulsant of some type for your lifetime."

"This medication should be taken until you haven't had a seizure for a month."

"Seizures are unpredictable and so is the duration of the treatment."

"You will only need to take it for a short period of time because anticonvulsants will cure the seizure disorder."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. "You will need to take an anticonvulsant of some type for your lifetime."

This statement may be accurate for some individuals with chronic or recurrent seizure disorders, but it is a generalization. The duration of anticonvulsant therapy varies from person to person, and some individuals may eventually be able to discontinue medication under the guidance of their healthcare provider.

B. "This medication should be taken until you haven't had a seizure for a month."

While seizure control is a factor in determining the duration of treatment, setting a specific timeframe (e.g., one month) may not be applicable to everyone. The decision to continue or discontinue anticonvulsant therapy is usually individualized and based on various factors, including the type of seizure disorder and the individual's response to treatment.

C. "Seizures are unpredictable and so is the duration of the treatment."

This is the best response. It acknowledges the variability in seizure disorders and the individualized nature of treatment duration. Seizure management is often an ongoing process that requires monitoring and adjustments based on the person's specific circumstances.

D. "You will only need to take it for a short period of time because anticonvulsants will cure the seizure disorder."

Anticonvulsants are typically used to manage and control seizures rather than cure the underlying seizure disorder. While some individuals may experience a period of seizure freedom and be able to discontinue medication, this is not true for everyone. The duration of treatment varies, and some individuals may require long-term or even lifelong therapy.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. The patient's understanding of the medication:

While it's important for the patient to understand their medication, assessing their understanding is typically done through patient education and counseling. This assessment is vital for promoting adherence and safe medication practices but is not the primary consideration immediately before administration.

B. The patient's ability to swallow:

This is the correct answer. Assessing the patient's ability to swallow is crucial before administering oral medications to ensure that the patient can safely and effectively take the prescribed medication without the risk of aspiration or choking.

C. The patient's allergies:

Assessing the patient's allergies is an essential step in medication administration, but it is generally part of the overall medication safety process. It may not be the primary assessment immediately before administering an oral medication, but it is a crucial consideration.

D. The eyesight:

The patient's eyesight is not typically a primary assessment before administering oral medications. While visual impairments can affect a patient's ability to read medication labels or instructions, it is not the immediate concern when assessing readiness for oral medication administration.

A. Blood dyscrasias B. Hyperglycemia C. Urinary retention D. Gingival hyperplasia E. Sedation

Correct Answer is ["A","D"]

Explanation

A. Blood dyscrasias: This is a correct choice. Phenytoin can cause blood dyscrasias, including conditions like leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia.

B. Hyperglycemia: This is not typically associated with phenytoin. The primary adverse effects related to blood sugar are usually changes in glucose metabolism or hypoglycemia.

C. Urinary retention: This is not a common adverse effect of phenytoin. It is more associated with other medications or medical conditions.

D. Gingival hyperplasia: This is a correct choice. Phenytoin is known to cause gingival hyperplasia, which is an overgrowth of the gum tissue.

E. Sedation: This is not a common adverse effect of phenytoin. Phenytoin is more known for causing CNS-related side effects like nystagmus, ataxia, and dizziness.

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A client has been started on an anticonvulsant for a seizure disorder and asks how long he will need to take the medication. What is the nurse's best response?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The physician prescribes an oral medication for the patient. What is the primary nursing assessment of the patient prior to receiving this medication?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Patients taking phenytoin (Dilantin) for control of seizures must be aware of which adverse effect(s)? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","D"]

Explanation

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