A nurse is providing education to a client who has epilepsy and their caregiver about non-pharmacological interventions to prevent seizures. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply.)
Avoid triggers such as stress, fatigue, or flashing lights
Follow a ketogenic diet that is high in fat and low in carbohydrates
Wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace that identifies epilepsy
Use herbal remedies such as valerian or chamomile to reduce anxiety
Perform relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation
Correct Answer : A,B,C,E
Choice A reason:
This is a correct answer. The nurse should advise the client and their caregiver to avoid triggers such as stress, fatigue, or flashing lights that may provoke seizure activity by altering brain electrical activity or neurotransmitter levels. The nurse should also educate them about other potential triggers such as alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, fever, infection, hormonal changes, or certain medications.
Choice B reason:
This is a correct answer. The nurse should advise the client and their caregiver to follow a ketogenic diet that is high in fat and low in carbohydrates under medical supervision if pharmacological therapy is ineffective or intolerable. A ketogenic diet can reduce seizure frequency and severity by inducing ketosis, which is a metabolic state where ketone bodies are used as an alternative fuel source for the brain instead of glucose.
Choice C reason:
This is a correct answer. The nurse should advise the client and their caregiver to wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace that identifies epilepsy and provides emergency contact information. This can help ensure prompt and appropriate care in case of a seizure and prevent unnecessary interventions or complications.
Choice D reason:
This is an incorrect answer. The nurse should not advise the client and their caregiver to use herbal remedies such as valerian or chamomile to reduce anxiety, as this can have negative effects on seizure activity and medication effectiveness. Herbal remedies can interact with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and alter their absorption, metabolism, or excretion, which can increase the risk of toxicity or breakthrough seizures. The nurse should advise the client and their caregiver to consult their provider before using any herbal remedies or supplements.
Choice E reason:
This is a correct answer. The nurse should advise the client and their caregiver to perform relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation, as this can help prevent seizures by reducing stress, anxiety, or tension that may trigger seizure activity. Relaxation techniques can also improve mood, sleep quality, and coping skills for the client and their caregiver.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This is an incorrect answer. The nurse should not monitor for hypotension during plasmapheresis for a client who has GBS. Hypotension is not a common complication of plasmapheresis, but rather hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, which are procedures that remove excess fluid and waste products from the blood in clients who have kidney failure.
Choice B reason:
This is an incorrect answer. The nurse should not monitor for hyperkalemia during plasmapheresis for a client who has GBS. Hyperkalemia is not a common complication of plasmapheresis, but rather hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, which can cause a rapid shift of potassium from the cells to the blood in clients who have kidney failure.
Choice C reason:
This is a correct answer. The nurse should monitor for hypocalcemia during plasmapheresis for a client who has GBS. Hypocalcemia is a common complication of plasmapheresis that occurs when calcium is removed from the blood along with plasma proteins and antibodies. Hypocalcemia can cause muscle cramps, tetany, paresthesia, seizures, or cardiac arrhythmias.
Choice D reason:
This is an incorrect answer. The nurse should not monitor for hyperglycemia during plasmapheresis for a client who has GBS. Hyperglycemia is not a common complication of plasmapheresis, but rather insulin therapy or steroid therapy, which can increase blood glucose levels in clients who have diabetes mellitus or other endocrine disorders.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This is an incorrect answer. The nurse should not tell the client that phenytoin can cause drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, or rash. These are not the common or serious side effects of phenytoin, but rather other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) such as carbamazepine or valproic acid.
Choice B reason:
This is an incorrect answer. The nurse should not tell the client that phenytoin can cause weight gain, hair loss, tremors, or mood swings. These are not the common or serious side effects of phenytoin, but rather other AEDs such as valproic acid or lamotrigine.
Choice C reason:
This is an incorrect answer. The nurse should not tell the client that phenytoin can cause blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation, or urinary retention. These are not the common or serious side effects of phenytoin, but rather other AEDs such as gabapentin or topiramate.
Choice D reason:
This is a correct answer. The nurse should tell the client that phenytoin can cause gingival hyperplasia, nystagmus, ataxia, or dysrhythmias. These are the common or serious side effects of phenytoin that can affect the oral health, vision, balance, or cardiac function of the client. The nurse should also educate the client about the signs and symptoms of these side effects and how to prevent or manage them.
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