A patient who has epilepsy will begin an anticonvulsant medication.
The patient asks the nurse how long the medication will be necessary.
How will the nurse respond?

You will take the medication as needed for seizure activity.

The medication will be given until you are seizure free.

You will take the medication for 3 to 5 years.

The medication is usually taken for a lifetime.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale

Anticonvulsant medications are not taken on an as-needed basis. They require consistent dosing to maintain therapeutic levels and prevent seizure activity effectively.

Choice B rationale

The goal of anticonvulsant therapy is not just temporary seizure control but long-term management. Medications are continued even after achieving seizure-free status to prevent recurrence.

Choice C rationale

While some patients might achieve control within a few years, there is no standard duration for stopping anticonvulsants. Treatment duration varies based on individual response and risk of recurrence.

Choice D rationale

Anticonvulsant medications are typically taken for a lifetime to manage epilepsy. Long-term therapy is crucial for maintaining seizure control and preventing breakthrough seizures.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Renal function tests are not specifically required for propranolol administration unless there are existing renal concerns. Propranolol is primarily metabolized by the liver, not the kidneys.

Choice B rationale

While it is important to consider drug interactions, the primary concern with propranolol in this patient is the history of asthma and diabetes, not herbal medication interactions.

Choice C rationale

Propranolol, a non-selective beta-blocker, can exacerbate asthma symptoms and mask hypoglycemia in diabetic patients. Consulting with the doctor to consider a different antihypertensive medication that does not have these risks is a prudent approach.

Choice D rationale

While monitoring serum glucose levels is important, administering propranolol in a patient with a history of asthma and diabetes poses significant risks. An alternative medication should be considered. .

A. Reassure the client that this is nothing to worry about and will diminish over time. B. Tell the patient to stop taking the drug immediately as this is a serious side effect of the drug. C. Schedule an appointment with the provider to discuss changing to an ARB. D. Instruct the patient to go to the emergency room immediately as this is a hypersensitivity reaction.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Reassuring the client without addressing the persistent cough would not be appropriate as it may signal a need for a different medication. The ACE inhibitor captopril can cause a bothersome, persistent cough in some patients due to increased bradykinin levels.

Choice B rationale

Instructing the patient to stop the medication immediately is not advised without consulting the healthcare provider. While the cough is a known side effect, stopping the medication abruptly may lead to unmanaged hypertension.

Choice C rationale

Scheduling an appointment with the provider to discuss changing to an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) is appropriate. ARBs do not typically cause a persistent cough, making them a suitable alternative for patients who experience this side effect with ACE inhibitors.

Choice D rationale

Instructing the patient to go to the emergency room immediately is unnecessary as the persistent cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors and not an emergency situation. Emergency action is warranted for symptoms of angioedema, such as swelling of the face or throat.

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A patient who has epilepsy will begin an anticonvulsant medication.The patient asks the nurse how long the medication will be necessary.How will the nurse respond?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is performing an assessment on a patient who will begin taking propranolol (Inderol) to treat hypertension.The nurse learns that the patients have a history of asthma and diabetes.The nurse will take which action.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A patient who has recently begun taking captopril (Capoten) to treat HTN calls a clinic to report a persistent cough.The nurse will perform which action?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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A patient who has epilepsy will begin an anticonvulsant medication.
The patient asks the nurse how long the medication will be necessary.
How will the nurse respond?