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When describing the anticonvulsants to a group of nursing students, the instructor describes which of the following as acting to stabilize the hyperexcitability postsynaptically in the motor cortex of the brain? Select all that apply.
- A. Ethosuximide (Zarontin)
- B. Phenytoin (Dilantin)
- C. Valproic acid (Depakote)
- D. Ethotoin (Peganone)
- E. Topiramate (Topamax)
Correct Answer: B,D
Rationale: Hydantoins, like phenytoin (Dilantin) and ethotoin (Peganone), exert their effect by stabilizing the hyperexcitability postsynaptically in the motor cortex of the brain. Ethosuximide depresses the motor cortex, valproic acid increases levels of GABA to stabilize the cell membranes, and topiramate blocks seizure activity instead of raising the threshold.
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Assessment of a client receiving anticonvulsant therapy reveals the following: sore throat, chills, fever, gingival bleeding, and bruising. Which nursing diagnosis would the nurse most likely identify?
- A. Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity
- B. Impaired Oral Mucous Membranes
- C. Risk for Injury
- D. Risk for Infection
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The assessment findings suggest pancytopenia, so Risk for Infection would be most likely. Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity would be appropriate if the client developed a rash. Impaired Oral Mucous Membranes would be appropriate if the client was exhibiting signs of gingival hyperplasia. Risk for Injury would be appropriate if the client was experiencing drowsiness, ataxia, and vision disturbances related to the drug therapy.
A nurse understands that lorazepam (Ativan) is the drug of choice for treating status epilepticus but that its effects last for less than 1 hour. The nurse would expect which of the following to be prescribed along with lorazepam (Ativan) during status epilepticus? Select all that apply.
- A. Ethosuximide (Zarontin)
- B. Phenytoin (Dilantin)
- C. Ethotoin (Peganone)
- D. Zonisamide (Zonegran)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Due to the short effects of lorazepam (Ativan), a longer-acting anticonvulsant, such as phenytoin (Dilantin), is given to continue control of seizure activity.
The nurse is assessing a client for gingival hyperplasia based on the understanding that this adverse reaction is commonly associated with long-term administration of which of the following? Select all that apply.
- A. Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- B. Phenytoin (Dilantin)
- C. Valproic acid (Depakote)
- D. Felbamate (Felbatol)
- E. Ethotoin (Peganone)
Correct Answer: B,E
Rationale: Gingival hyperplasia, although it can occur with any anticonvulsant, is commonly associated with long-term hydantoin therapy such as with phenytoin or ethotoin.
A primary health care provider prescribes phenytoin to be administered parenterally to a client with a seizure disorder. The nurse prepares the drug to be given by which method?
- A. Intradermally
- B. Subcutaneously
- C. Intramuscularly
- D. Intravenously
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Phenytoin can be administered orally and parenterally. If the drug is administered parenterally, the intravenous (IV) route is preferred over the intramuscular (IM) route, because with the IM route erratic absorption of phenytoin causes pain and muscle damage at the injection site. The drug is not administered intradermally or subcutaneously.
After reviewing information about anticonvulsants, a nursing student demonstrates understanding of this group of drugs, identifying which of the following as acting to elevate the seizure threshold by decreasing postsynaptic excitation? Select all that apply.
- A. Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- B. Valproic acid (Depakote)
- C. Gabapentin (Neurontin)
- D. Lorazepam (Ativan)
- E. Trimethadione (Tridione)
Correct Answer: A,D
Rationale: Benzodiazepines (clonazepam and lorazepam) exert their effect by elevating the seizure threshold by decreasing postsynaptic excitation. Valproic acid increases the levels of GABA, gabapentin is a GABA agonist, and trimethadione decreases the repetitive synaptic transmission of nerve impulses.