The nurse is talking with a patient who was just prescribed ethosuximide (Zarontin). Which patient statement should the nurse immediately discuss with the patient's health care provider? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Standard Text: Select all that apply

Question

1. "Did I mention that I used to take phenobarbital for my seizures?"
2. "I forgot to tell the doctor that I am allergic to penicillin."
3. "I take ginkgo to help improve my memory."
4. "My husband and I plan to have a baby in a couple of years."
5. "My husband and I are leading a 20-mile bicycle tour next weekend for the company we have just started."

Answer 1

3,5
Rationale 1: There is no indication that previous phenobarbital use is problematic with the use of ethosuximide (Zarontin).
Rationale 2: There is no indication of cross sensitivity with penicillin.
Rationale 3: Ginkgo may reduce the therapeutic effects of ethosuximide (Zarontin).
Rationale 4: Ethosuximide (Zarontin) is Pregnancy Category C.
Rationale 5: The most common adverse effects of ethosuximide (Zarontin) include dizziness, ataxia, and fatigue. These effects may be problematic for the owner of a company that promotes bicycle touring.
Global Rationale: Ginkgo may reduce the therapeutic effects of ethosuximide (Zarontin). The most common adverse effects of ethosuximide (Zarontin) include dizziness, ataxia, and fatigue. These effects may be problematic for the owner of a company that promotes bicycle touring. There is no indication that previous phenobarbital use is problematic with the use of ethosuximide (Zarontin). There is no indication of cross sensitivity with penicillin. Ethosuximide (Zarontin) is Pregnancy Category C.