Question 1 of 6
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Which teaching point would the licensed practical/vocational nurse include when a patient with epilepsy receives a new prescription for phenytoin?
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- Have periodic medication levels drawn.The dosage of antiseizure medication is based on a therapeutic blood level of the drug; therefore it is necessary for the patient to understand the importance of having periodic phenytoin levels drawn.
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- Regulate the dosage according to seizure activity.The patient should not attempt to alter the dosage without consulting with the prescriber.
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- Stop taking the medication if drowsiness occurs.Drowsiness is a common side effect of this medication, and the patient should not stop taking an anticonvulsant abruptly without consulting a health care provider.
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- Take an extra dose of the medication before exercising.The patient should take the medication as scheduled and not take extra doses before exercising.
Question 2 of 6
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Which priority intervention would the licensed practical/vocational nurse implement when a 27-year-old visitor to the hospital suddenly lets out a cry, collapses to the floor, and begins to twitch and thrash?
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- Check oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter.This should be done after the seizure is over.
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- Send someone for assistance.The nurse would send someone for assistance and stay with the patient to provide care while others bring the necessary equipment and supplies to the scene.
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- Cover the patient with a blanket or a coat.The nurse would not cover the patient while the patient is having a seizure.
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- Remove glasses.It may be helpful to remove glasses if the patient is wearing them, but this is not the priority intervention.
Question 3 of 6
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Which statement or instruction would be communicated to a patient as they start taking lamotrigine? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct.
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- You may feel sedated.The medication may cause sedation, drowsiness, or lethargy.
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- If you notice side effects, stop taking the medication abruptly.The patient should never stop their anticonvulsant therapy abruptly without consulting their health care provider.
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- You might experience a fever.The patient may experience a fever and leukopenia.
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- Do not drink alcohol.The patent should avoid alcohol and other central nervous system depressants.
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- Check for interactions if you are also on an anticoagulant.There can be significant drug interactions with anticoagulant medications.
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- Take the medication exactly as prescribed.Anticonvulsants have a narrow therapeutic range; toxicity can occur if too much of the drug is taken.
Question 4 of 6
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Which statement made by the nurse demonstrates an understanding of epilepsy?
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- “Epilepsy is defined as having at least five unprovoked seizures.”The World Health Organization defines epilepsy as two or more unprovoked seizures.
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- “Epilepsy is an acute disturbance of the nervous system.”Epilepsy is a chronic disturbance of the nervous system.
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- “The incidence of epilepsy increases during middle age years.”The incidence of epilepsy increases in those 60 to 80 years of age.
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- “An electroencephalogram (EEG) can help diagnose epilepsy.”The abnormal electrical activity generated by an epileptic seizure can be captured by an EEG.
Question 5 of 6
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What classification of seizure might the nurse suspect when the patient develops sudden weakness and collapses but remains conscious during the event?
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- AtonicAtonic seizures are characterized by loss of body muscle tone that results in nodding of the head, weakness of the knees, or total body collapse, all while the patient remains conscious.
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- FocalFocal or partial seizures affect only one part of the brain and lead to localized symptoms.
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- ClonicClonic seizures are characterized by convulsions and a loss of consciousness.
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- TonicTonic seizures are characterized by convulsions or jerking of the extremities and involve a loss of consciousness.
Question 6 of 6
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Which statement made by the patient about epileptic seizures demonstrates a need for further education?
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- “Most individuals with epileptic seizures have normal mental function between episodes.”This is accurate, as most patients with epileptic seizures have normal mental function between seizures and can be contributing members of society.
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- “Once the seizure is over, you will check my blood sugar and oxygen levels.”If possible, a glucose level, oxygen saturation, and assessment of injuries should be performed after an epileptic seizure.
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- “It might be helpful for me and my family to join a support group.”A referral to a local epilepsy society for connection with a support group can be very helpful and reassuring for a patient and their family.
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- “I will be able to drive 3 months after any seizure.”Most states allow resumption of driving when the patient has been seizure-free for 1 year.
