Health Assessment Neurological System NCLEX Questions Related

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You are caring for a patient who is preoperative and is NPO. The patient takes carbamazepine (Tegretol), 200 mg PO BID for a seizure disorder. Which of the following actions should you take?

  • A. Give the oral dose of carbamazepine with a sip of water.
  • B. Give carbamazepine IV.
  • C. Withhold the carbamazepine.
  • D. Administer half the usual morning dose of carbamazepine.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: It is important to continue the oral carbamazepine to maintain therapeutic blood levels and to prevent seizure activity. You should notify the anesthesiologist and should give the patient the carbamazepine with a sip of water. Carbamazepine is not available IV. Withholding the carbamazepine may reduce the therapeutic blood level and cause seizure activity. Administering a reduced dose of carbamazepine may reduce the therapeutic blood level and cause seizure activity.