Outcomes of Anticonvulsant Therapy and Seizure Management
Outcomes of Anticonvulsant Therapy and Seizure Management ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is teaching a patient who has been prescribed lamotrigine (Lamictal) for partial seizures. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply.)
ct because the patient should report any rash, fever, or swollen lymph nodes to the prescriber immediately. These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction or a rare but life-threatening skin condition called Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)¹². The patient should stop taking the drug and seek medical attention immediately if they develop these symptoms²³. -
because the patient does not need to take the medication with food to prevent gastrointestinal upset. Lamotrigine can be taken with or without food, depending on the patient's preference¹². Taking the medication with food may delay its absorption, but does not affect its bioavailability or efficacy⁴. The patient may experience some mild gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, but these usually go away with time or dose adjustment¹². -
ct because the patient should use a reliable form of contraception while taking this medication. Lamotrigine can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives and increase the risk of pregnancy¹². Lamotrigine can also cause birth defects or fetal harm if taken during pregnancy¹². The patient should consult their prescriber about the best method of contraception for them and inform them if they become pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking lamotrigine²³. -
ct because the patient should avoid exposure to sunlight and use sunscreen and protective clothing. Lamotrigine can increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight and cause sunburn or rash¹². The patient should limit their time in the sun and protect their skin from sun damage²³.
because the patient does not need to avoid drinking alcohol or using illicit drugs while taking this medication. Lamotrigine does not have a significant interaction with alcohol or illicit drugs and does not affect the central nervous system as much as other anticonvulsants. However, the patient should still drink alcohol moderately and avoid using illicit drugs for their general health and well-being.
- Choice A is correct because the patient should report any rash, fever, or swollen lymph nodes to the prescriber immediately. These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction or a rare but life-threatening skin condition called Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)¹². The patient should stop taking the drug and seek medical attention immediately if they develop these symptoms²³.
- Choice C is correct because the patient should use a reliable form of contraception while taking this medication. Lamotrigine can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives and increase the risk of pregnancy¹². Lamotrigine can also cause birth defects or fetal harm if taken during pregnancy¹². The patient should consult their prescriber about the best method of contraception for them and inform them if they become pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking lamotrigine²³.
- Choice D is correct because the patient should avoid exposure to sunlight and use sunscreen and protective clothing. Lamotrigine can increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight and cause sunburn or rash¹². The patient should limit their time in the sun and protect their skin from sun damage²³.
- Choice B is wrong because the patient does not need to take the medication with food to prevent gastrointestinal upset. Lamotrigine can be taken with or without food, depending on the patient's preference¹². Taking the medication with food may delay its absorption, but does not affect its bioavailability or efficacy⁴. The patient may experience some mild gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, but these usually go away with time or dose adjustment¹².
- Choice E is wrong because the patient does not need to avoid drinking alcohol or using illicit drugs while taking this medication. Lamotrigine does not have a significant interaction with alcohol or illicit drugs and does not affect the central nervous system as much as other anticonvulsants. However, the patient should still drink alcohol moderately and avoid using illicit drugs for their general health and well-being.