A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for gabapentin for partial seizures. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
Take this medication with food or milk to prevent gastric irritation.
Avoid driving until you know how this medication affects you.
Increase your intake of fluids and fiber to prevent constipation.
Discontinue this medication gradually to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
The Correct Answer is B
This instruction is important because gabapentin can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision as common side effects¹². These effects can impair the client's ability to drive safely and increase the risk of accidents or injuries. The client should avoid driving or operating machinery until they know how gabapentin affects them and their doctor says it is safe to do so¹². The other instructions are incorrect for the following reasons:
- A. "Take this medication with food or milk to prevent gastric irritation". This instruction is unnecessary because gabapentin does not cause gastric irritation or ulcers as a side effect¹². The client can take gabapentin with or without food, depending on their preference and tolerance¹².
- C. "Increase your intake of fluids and fiber to prevent constipation". This instruction is irrelevant because gabapentin does not cause constipation as a side effect¹². The client should maintain a normal intake of fluids and fiber to promote bowel health, but not specifically because of gabapentin use¹².
- D. "Discontinue this medication gradually to prevent withdrawal symptoms". This instruction is incorrect because gabapentin does not cause withdrawal symptoms or physical dependence as a side effect¹². However, the client should not stop taking gabapentin suddenly or without their doctor's advice, as this can increase the risk of seizures or other complications¹².
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
No explanation
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This statement is incorrect because ibuprofen may interact with lamotrigine and increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating¹². A clinical study found that common interactions between lamotrigine and ibuprofen include gait disturbance among females and insomnia among males². The patient should avoid taking ibuprofen while on lamotrigine and consult their doctor for alternative pain relief options. The other statements are correct for the following reasons:
- A. "I will wear sunscreen and protective clothing when I go outside". This statement is correct because lamotrigine can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and increase the risk of sunburns and rashes. The patient should protect their skin from sun exposure while taking this medication.
- C. "I will report any changes in my vision or mood to my doctor". This statement is correct because lamotrigine can cause vision problems such as blurred vision, double vision, or eye irritation, as well as mood changes such as depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts. The patient should monitor their vision and mood and report any changes to their doctor promptly.
- D. "I will not stop taking my medication abruptly". This statement is correct because stopping lamotrigine suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, headaches, nausea, or insomnia. The patient should follow their doctor's instructions on how to taper off the medication gradually if they need to stop taking it.
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