MECHANISM OF ACTION
This neurotransmitter is enhanced by many antiepileptics to decrease seizure activity.
What is GABA?
This gum-related condition is a classic side effect of phenytoin.
What is gingival hyperplasia?
This lab value must be monitored with valproic acid due to risk of liver damage.
What are liver function tests (LFTs)?
This juice increases carbamazepine levels and should be avoided.
What is grapefruit juice?
Stopping antiepileptic medications suddenly can cause this.
What is seizure recurrence (status epilepticus)?
Antiepileptics work by slowing the entrance of these two ions into neurons.
What are sodium and calcium?
This life-threatening condition is associated with valproic acid and presents with abdominal pain.
What is pancreatitis?
When administering IV phenytoin, the nurse should not exceed this rate.
What is 50 mg/min?
These medications become less effective when taken with many antiepileptics.
What are oral contraceptives?
Patients should avoid this type of activity until medication effects are known.
What is driving or operating machinery?
This is the overall effect of antiepileptic medications on neuronal activity.
What is suppression of neuronal firing?
This blood disorder can occur with carbamazepine and involves low white blood cells.
What is leukopenia?
This is the priority action if a patient on antiepileptics develops toxicity (e.g., respiratory depression).
What is stop the medication and support airway/oxygenation?
Combining antiepileptics with these substances increases CNS depression risk.
What are alcohol and other CNS depressants?
This tracking method helps evaluate medication effectiveness.
what is a seizure diary?
This type of seizure medication specifically increases inhibitory brain activity.
What are GABA-enhancing drugs?
This electrolyte imbalance occurs with carbamazepine due to increased ADH.
What is hyponatremia?
Clients taking phenytoin should receive this education to prevent oral complications.
What is good oral hygiene (brushing/flossing/massaging gums)?
This medication increases phenytoin levels when used concurrently.
What is valproic acid?
These medications control seizures but do not do this.
What is cure epilepsy
A nurse is explaining why antiepileptic medications reduce seizure activity. What combined cellular effects occur?
What is inhibition of sodium and calcium influx AND enhancement of GABA-mediated inhibition, leading to decreased neuronal excitability?
A client taking carbamazepine develops fever, sore throat, and fatigue. Which complication is suspected
What is bone marrow suppression (agranulocytosis/leukopenia)?
A client receiving IV phenytoin suddenly develops hypotension and bradycardia. What is the nurse’s first action?
What is stop the infusion immediately and assess cardiovascular status (monitor ECG, support BP)?
A client taking phenytoin and warfarin has a decreased INR. What is the cause?
What is hepatic enzyme induction by phenytoin leading to increased metabolism of warfarin?
A client says, “I feel fine, so I stopped my seizure medication.” What is the nurse’s best response?
What is abrupt discontinuation can trigger rebound seizures or status epilepticus; medication must be tapered under provider guidance?