In which client would a prescription of valproic acid for seizure disorder be contraindicated?

A patient with hypertension

A patient with diabetes

A patient with asthma

A pregnant patient

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. A patient with hypertension:
Valproic acid is not contraindicated in patients with hypertension. While it is important to monitor for potential side effects, including those that may affect the liver or blood pressure, hypertension alone does not directly impact the safety or efficacy of valproic acid. Therefore, it is generally considered safe to prescribe in patients with well-controlled hypertension.

B. A patient with diabetes:
Valproic acid is also not contraindicated in patients with diabetes. While it is important to monitor blood glucose levels, as anticonvulsants can sometimes affect metabolic processes, there is no absolute contraindication for valproic acid in diabetic patients. However, appropriate monitoring of blood sugar levels would be necessary to adjust any diabetic treatment as needed.

C. A patient with asthma:
There is no direct contraindication to using valproic acid in a patient with asthma. While asthma medications and their interactions should always be considered, valproic acid does not typically exacerbate asthma symptoms. The prescription would be based on the clinical need for seizure management and monitored for any potential respiratory side effects.

D. A pregnant patient:
Valproic acid is contraindicated in pregnancy due to its high risk of causing fetal harm. It has been associated with an increased risk of birth defects, including neural tube defects, and other complications such as developmental delays. The U.S. FDA classifies valproic acid as a Category D drug for pregnancy, indicating that it should only be used when the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Thus, it should be avoided in pregnant patients unless no safer alternatives are available.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. 2-6 hours before meals:
This timeframe is too long for rapid-acting insulin like Lispro. Rapid-acting insulins, such as Lispro, begin to work quickly after administration, typically within 15 minutes, and peak around 1 to 2 hours after injection. Administering it 2-6 hours before meals would not align with the timing of food intake and would likely lead to hypoglycemia before the meal. Timing of rapid-acting insulin should be closer to the meal to match the rise in blood glucose levels that occurs after eating.

B. Lispro lasts 24 hours and does not have to be timed with meals:
This statement is incorrect. Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin, and its duration of action is much shorter than 24 hours, typically lasting about 3-5 hours. It is crucial to time the administration of Lispro with meals to match its peak action with the rise in blood glucose levels after eating. A long-acting insulin would be the type that lasts for 24 hours, but that is not the case with Lispro.

C. 15-30 minutes before meals:
Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin, and its onset of action occurs within 15 minutes after injection. It is most effective when administered within 15-30 minutes before the start of a meal, as it peaks in about 1-2 hours and works to regulate blood glucose levels during and after the meal. This timing ensures that insulin works in concert with the rise in blood glucose following food intake, helping prevent hyperglycemia.

D. 60 minutes before meals:
Administering Lispro 60 minutes before a meal is too early. Rapid-acting insulins, such as Lispro, begin working quickly and reach peak action within 1-2 hours. If administered too far in advance, there is a risk that the insulin may have peaked before the meal, leading to a potential drop in blood glucose levels before the meal is consumed. This could result in hypoglycemia. Therefore, administering it closer to the meal, within 15-30 minutes, is the optimal timing.

A. I will notify my doctor before taking any other medications’’ B. "I should talk to my doctor about other methods of contraception in addition to my current oral contraceptives. C. "I'll be glad when I can stop taking this medicine after my seizures are controlled’’ D. I have made an appointment to see my dentist next week.’’

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) "I will notify my doctor before taking any other medications:"
Phenytoin interacts with many medications, both prescription and over-the-counter. It is crucial for the client to inform their doctor before starting any new medications, including herbal supplements, as phenytoin may have significant drug interactions that could alter its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects.

B) "I should talk to my doctor about other methods of contraception in addition to my current oral contraceptives:"
Phenytoin can decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, leading to an increased risk of unintended pregnancy. It is important for clients to discuss alternative or additional methods of contraception, such as non-hormonal methods or alternative hormonal birth control, with their healthcare provider to prevent pregnancy while taking phenytoin.

C) "I'll be glad when I can stop taking this medicine after my seizures are controlled:"
Phenytoin is typically a lifelong medication for managing seizures, even if the seizures are well-controlled. Stopping the medication without a doctor's approval can lead to seizure recurrence. Seizure control does not always mean stopping medication, and clients need to understand the importance of continuing the prescribed treatment regimen, even after achieving stability.

D) "I have made an appointment to see my dentist next week:"
Phenytoin can cause gingival hyperplasia, which increases the need for regular dental checkups. It is recommended that clients taking phenytoin see a dentist regularly to manage this potential side effect and maintain oral health.

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In which client would a prescription of valproic acid for seizure disorder be contraindicated?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is planning care for a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus. When planning administration for rapid-acting insulin Lispro, the nurse knows to administer it during which timeframe based on the onset of action?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is performing discharge teaching for a client who has seizures and a new prescription for phenytoin, which of following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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