The nurse is caring for a patient who is taking a calcium-channel blocker.
What adverse effects would the nurse caution this patient about?

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.

Choice A rationale

Exhibiting the ability to provide self-care may not be realistic for a patient with advanced Alzheimer’s disease. Cognitive decline may impair their ability to perform daily activities independently, necessitating assistance from caregivers.

Choice B rationale

Improving memory for recent events is unlikely in advanced Alzheimer’s disease, as the condition typically involves progressive memory loss and cognitive decline. New medications may help manage symptoms, but reversing memory loss is not a realistic goal.

Choice C rationale

Receiving appropriate assistance for care needs is a realistic and achievable goal for patients with advanced Alzheimer’s disease. As the disease progresses, patients will require increasing levels of support to ensure their safety and well-being.

Choice D rationale

Demonstrating improved cognitive function is unlikely in advanced Alzheimer’s disease. While medications may help manage symptoms, the progressive nature of the disease means that cognitive decline will continue, and improvement is not a realistic expectation.