A nurse is working with a teen who has epilepsy treated with carbamazepine (Tegretol). Laboratory results indicate a serum drug level of 2 µg/mL. Which action by the nurse is the most appropriate?
A.
Assess the teen for noncompliance.
B.
Document the results in the chart.
C.
Have the teen continue the regimen.
D.
Tell the teen to cut the dose in half.
ANS: A
The therapeutic level of carbamazepine is 5-12 µg/mL. The nurse should assess the teen for noncompliance because this level is too low. It is also possible that the teen has grown since the last drug level was obtained and that he or she simply now needs a higher dose. The results should be documented, but the nurse should take other action. Because the level was too low, it is not appropriate to continue the drug regimen or to cut the dose in half.
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