The nurse is planning educational sessions for a client regarding the use of a newly prescribed antiepileptic drug (AED). Which topics should be included in these sessions?

Question

Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. The client should take the medication at the same time every day.
2. If the client forgets a dose of medication, wait until the next dose is due and take both doses together.
3. The client should take an additional dose of medication upon experiencing a seizure aura.
4. If the client experiences side effects of the medication, the client should skip the next dose to see if the side effects lessen.
5. The client should avoid using dietary supplements containing kava when on this medication.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1,5
Rationale 1: Stable blood levels of medication are important in the control of seizure activity. In order to achieve this stability, the medication should be taken at the same time every day.
Rationale 2: The client should take the dose as soon as it is remembered but should not take two doses at the same time or close together.
Rationale 3: Oral medications are not delivered rapidly to the system, so taking an additional dose of medication when an aura occurs is not effective in controlling the impending seizure.
Rationale 4: The client should never abruptly discontinue taking these medications and should not skip doses.
Rationale 5: Kava interferes with many AEDs, often adding to their sedative effects.
Global Rationale: Stable blood levels of medication are important in the control of seizure activity. In order to achieve this stability, the medication should be taken at the same time every day. Kava interferes with many AEDs, often adding to their sedative effects. The client should take the dose as soon as it is remembered but should not take two doses at the same time or close together. Oral medications are not delivered rapidly to the system, so taking an additional dose of medication when an aura occurs is not effective in controlling the impending seizure. The client should never abruptly discontinue taking these medications and should not skip doses.