A 26-year-old patient sustained a head injury at the age of 19 years. The patient has been on antiepileptic drugs and has been seizure free since 8 months after the accident. He now wants to discontinue the medications
The nurse's response would be based on which of the following ra-tionales about antiepileptic medications? a. The patient can stop the medications now and keep an accurate seizure chart to determine whether medications need to be reinstituted.
b. The patient should wait a full 10 years after the last seizure; then it is probably safe to stop the medication.
c. Antiepileptic drugs are needed for life.
d. The dosage may be gradually reduced based on an accurate seizure record and consistent serum drug levels.
D
When treatment is reduced or discontinued, the dosage should be reduced gradually. Abrupt withdrawal may precipitate seizures. Any changes in medication regimens should be based on an accurate seizure record and consistent serum drug levels.
The patient should not abruptly discontinue medication, therefore advising him to keep a seizure journal is important, but teaching about withdrawal is also appropriate.
Arbitrary time lines are inappropriate. Decisions should be based on a seizure record and serum drug levels.
Antiepileptic drugs may not be needed for life.
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The nurse is caring for a 70-year-old female client with an ineffective health maintenance regimen. Which of the following is the most appropriate method the nurse should use to conduct new learning?
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The rehabilitation nurse is assisting a client with heart failure to increase activity tolerance. During ambulation of the client, identification of what symptom causes the nurse to stop the client's activity?
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