A client has been started on an anticonvulsant for a seizure disorder and asks how long he will need to take the medication. What is the nurse's best response?

"You will need to take an anticonvulsant of some type for your lifetime."

"This medication should be taken until you haven't had a seizure for a month."

"Seizures are unpredictable and so is the duration of the treatment."

"You will only need to take it for a short period of time because anticonvulsants will cure the seizure disorder."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. "You will need to take an anticonvulsant of some type for your lifetime."

This statement may be accurate for some individuals with chronic or recurrent seizure disorders, but it is a generalization. The duration of anticonvulsant therapy varies from person to person, and some individuals may eventually be able to discontinue medication under the guidance of their healthcare provider.

B. "This medication should be taken until you haven't had a seizure for a month."

While seizure control is a factor in determining the duration of treatment, setting a specific timeframe (e.g., one month) may not be applicable to everyone. The decision to continue or discontinue anticonvulsant therapy is usually individualized and based on various factors, including the type of seizure disorder and the individual's response to treatment.

C. "Seizures are unpredictable and so is the duration of the treatment."

This is the best response. It acknowledges the variability in seizure disorders and the individualized nature of treatment duration. Seizure management is often an ongoing process that requires monitoring and adjustments based on the person's specific circumstances.

D. "You will only need to take it for a short period of time because anticonvulsants will cure the seizure disorder."

Anticonvulsants are typically used to manage and control seizures rather than cure the underlying seizure disorder. While some individuals may experience a period of seizure freedom and be able to discontinue medication, this is not true for everyone. The duration of treatment varies, and some individuals may require long-term or even lifelong therapy.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Ask a colleague what the order says:

This option involves seeking assistance from a colleague to interpret the illegible handwriting. While collaboration among healthcare professionals is important, relying on a colleague to interpret unclear handwriting may introduce the risk of miscommunication or misinterpretation.

B. Contact the prescriber to clarify the order:

This is the recommended and safest option. Contacting the prescriber directly to seek clarification ensures accurate information and reduces the risk of misinterpretation or errors related to illegible handwriting.

C. Wait until the prescriber makes rounds again to clarify the order:

This option involves delaying clarification until the prescriber is available during rounds. Waiting may not be ideal if the patient requires prompt intervention or if there is an urgency in administering the medication. Timely communication is crucial for patient safety.

D. Ask the patient what medications he takes at home:

This option is unrelated to the issue of illegible handwriting on the prescription. While obtaining a patient's medication history is important for comprehensive care, it does not address the immediate need to clarify the unclear order.

A. "I may experience urinary retention, dry mouth, and constipation." B. "I may feel dizzy at first, but this side effect will go away with time." C. "I should report nightmares and mental disturbances to my provider." D. "I should take the drug with food to increase absorption."

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. "I may experience urinary retention, dry mouth, and constipation."

This statement is accurate. Urinary retention, dry mouth, and constipation are common side effects of carbidopa-levodopa. The patient should be aware of these potential side effects and report them to the healthcare provider if they become problematic.

B. "I may feel dizzy at first, but this side effect will go away with time."

This statement is accurate. Dizziness is a common initial side effect of carbidopa-levodopa, and it often improves with continued use. The patient should be encouraged to report persistent dizziness to the healthcare provider.

C. "I should report nightmares and mental disturbances to my provider."

This statement is accurate. Nightmares and mental disturbances can be side effects of carbidopa-levodopa. The patient should report these symptoms to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and potential adjustments to the medication.

D. "I should take the drug with food to increase absorption."

This statement indicates a need for further teaching. Carbidopa-levodopa is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach. Taking it with food, especially high-protein meals, can reduce its absorption. The patient should be instructed to take the medication at least 30 minutes before meals or one to two hours after meals for optimal effectiveness.

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A client has been started on an anticonvulsant for a seizure disorder and asks how long he will need to take the medication. What is the nurse's best response?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The prescriber has written admission orders, and the nurse is transcribing them. The nurse is having difficulty transcribing one order because of the prescriber's handwriting. Which is the best action for the nurse to take at this time?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is teaching a patient who has Parkinson's disease about the side effects of carbidopa-levodopa. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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