A patient with bipolar disorder takes lamotrigine (Lamictal). Which statement made by the patient would prompt the nurse to hold the drug and notify the prescriber for further assessment?
a. "I get a little dizzy sometimes."
b. "I had a headache last week that lasted for about an hour."
c. "I've broken out in a rash on my chest and back."
d. "Last night I woke up twice with a bad dream."
ANS: C
Evidence of a rash in a patient taking lamotrigine requires further assessment, because this may indicate the development of Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Although dizziness and headaches are side effects of lamotrigine, they are not potentially life-threatening.
A bad dream is not necessarily related to the lamotrigine.
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