You are caring for a patient who takes an antiarrhythmic agent.
What would be the priority nursing assessment before administering this drug?

Choice A rationale

Anticonvulsant medications are not taken on an as-needed basis. They require consistent dosing to maintain therapeutic levels and prevent seizure activity effectively.

Choice B rationale

The goal of anticonvulsant therapy is not just temporary seizure control but long-term management. Medications are continued even after achieving seizure-free status to prevent recurrence.

Choice C rationale

While some patients might achieve control within a few years, there is no standard duration for stopping anticonvulsants. Treatment duration varies based on individual response and risk of recurrence.

Choice D rationale

Anticonvulsant medications are typically taken for a lifetime to manage epilepsy. Long-term therapy is crucial for maintaining seizure control and preventing breakthrough seizures.

Choice A rationale

This choice is incorrect. Although knowledge about drug therapy is important, it is not the most immediate concern in this scenario. The priority nursing diagnosis should address the potential risks associated with the drug’s side effects, such as sedation, which can impair the patient’s ability to function safely.

Choice B rationale

This choice is incorrect. While effective health maintenance and medication adherence are crucial, they do not directly address the immediate risk posed by the drug’s sedative effects. The priority should be to prevent harm and ensure the patient’s safety, which involves mitigating the risk of injury related to sedation.

Choice C rationale

This choice is correct. The primary concern with sedative drugs, especially in elderly patients, is the increased risk of falls and injuries due to impaired coordination and alertness. The nursing diagnosis “Risk for injury, related to adverse effect of the drug” directly addresses this critical issue, making it the priority in this situation.

Choice D rationale

This choice is incorrect. Noncompliance due to the cost of the drug is an important consideration, but it does not address the immediate safety risk posed by sedation. The priority should be to ensure the patient’s safety by managing the side effects that could lead to injury. Cost-related concerns can be addressed after ensuring that the patient is not at immediate risk of harm. .