Author Question: A patient who has epilepsy will begin an anticonvulsant medication. The patient asks the nurse how ... (Read 117 times)

arivle123 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient who has epilepsy will begin an anticonvulsant medication. The patient asks the nurse how long the medication will be necessary. How will the nurse respond?

a. The medication is usually taken for a lifetime.
b. The medication will be given until you are seizure-free.
c. You will need to take the medication for 3 to 5 years.
d. You will take the medication as needed for seizure activity.

Question 2

A patient is diagnosed with epilepsy and asks the nurse what may have caused this condition. The nurse explains that epilepsy is most often

a. caused by head trauma.
b. idiopathic in origin.
c. linked to a stroke.
d. related to brain anoxia.

T4T · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Anticonvulsants are given to prevent seizures and are usually taken throughout the patient's lifetime. Stopping the medication will lead to recurrence of seizures in most patients. Some patients may attempt to stop taking the medications after 3 to 5 years of no seizure activity. Anticonvulsants are not given as needed.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Of all seizure cases, 75 are primary, or idiopathic, with no known cause. The remaining are secondary and may be related to head trauma, stroke, or anoxic events.