McKenna's Pharmacology for Nursing, 2e

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C H A P T E R 2 3 Antiseizure agents

MULTIPLE RESPONSE Select all that apply. 1. A person has been stabilised on phenytoin ( Dilantin ) for several years and has not experienced a grand mal seizure in more than 3 years. The person decides to stop the drug because it no longer seems to be needed. In counselling the person, the nurse or midwife should include which of the following points? a. He will always need this drug. b. This drug needs to be slowly tapered to avoid potentially serious adverse effects. c. He is probably correct and the drug is not needed. d. The drug should not be stopped until appropriate blood tests are done. e. Stopping the drug suddenly could precipitate seizures because the nerves will be more sensitive. f. His insurance company won’t cover any problems that might occur if he stops the drug without doctor’s approval. 2. The most common adverse effects associated with antiepileptic therapy reflect the depression of the CNS. In assessing a person on antiepileptic therapy, the nurse or midwife would monitor the person for which of the following? a. hypertension

6. Focal or partial seizures: a. start at one point and spread quickly throughout the brain. b. are best treated with benzodiazepines. c. involve only part of the brain. d. are easily diagnosed and recognised. 7. One drug that is used alone in the treatment of b. topiramate. c. lamotrigine. d. gabapentin. 8. Treatment of epilepsy is directed at: a. blocking the transmission of nerve impulses into the brain. b. stabilising overexcited nerve membranes. c. blocking peripheral nerve terminals. d. thickening the meninges to dampen brain electrical activity. partial seizures is: a. carbamazepine.

b. insomnia c. confusion d. GI depression e. increased salivation f. tachycardia