The elderly patient is taking phenobarbital (Luminal) for seizure ...

[cmoore54]

The elderly patient is taking phenobarbital (Luminal) for seizure control. What is most important for the nurse to assess in the patient?
 
  1. Fluid intake
  2. Electrolyte balance
  3. Respiratory function
  4. Nutritional status

Question 2

The young child has absence seizures. The physician has prescribed valproic acid (Depakene) syrup. The nurse has completed medication education with the child's mother and determines that learning has occurred when the mother makes which statement?
 
  1. I should not mix this with carbonated beverages.
  2. If my child gets a headache from this, I can administer a baby aspirin.
  3. I can still give the clonazepam (Klonopin) prescribed by the psychiatrist for sleep.
  4. I can give this on a full stomach or an empty stomach.

[strudel15]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: Elderly patients are at risk for cumulative effects of barbiturates due to diminished hepatic and renal function. Central nervous system (CNS) depression can lead to suppression of respiratory function. Nutritional status is important with elderly patients, but is not the primary concern. Fluid intake is often decreased in elderly patients, but is not a side effect of barbiturates. Barbiturates do not affect electrolyte balance.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: Mixing valproic acid (Depakene) syrup with carbonated beverages will trigger immediate release of the drug, which causes severe mouth and throat irritation. Valproic acid (Depakene) is a gastrointestinal (GI) irritant and should be given with food. Aspirin can increase valproic acid (Depakene) toxicity, and aspirin should not be given to children because of Reye syndrome. Clonazepam (Klonopin) given with valproic acid (Depakene) can induce absence seizures.

[cmoore54]

Thank you!

[strudel15]

Always glad to help...