Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Management of Patients with Neurologic Infections, Autoimmune Disorders, and Neuropathies Related

Review Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Management of Patients with Neurologic Infections, Autoimmune Disorders, and Neuropathies related questions and content

To alleviate pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia, a patient is taking Tegretol (carbamazepine). What health education should the nurse provide to the patient before initiating this treatment?

  • A. Concurrent use of calcium supplements is contraindicated.
  • B. Blood levels of the drug must be monitored.
  • C. The drug is likely to cause hyperactivity and agitation.
  • D. Tegretol can cause tinnitus during the first few days of treatment.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Carbamazepine requires monitoring of blood levels to ensure therapeutic efficacy and avoid toxicity. It does not cause hyperactivity or tinnitus, and calcium supplements are not contraindicated.