Author Question: The client is prescribed valproic acid (Depakene) for treatment of seizures. The client has also ... (Read 98 times)

tichca · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The client is prescribed valproic acid (Depakene) for treatment of seizures. The client has also been taking a daily 81 mg aspirin tablet prophylactically for a cardiac condition.

Because of the use of these two drugs, the nurse closely observes the client for which occurrence?
1. Increase in seizure activity
2. Migraine headaches and generalized irritability
3. Bleeding from the gums and bruising of the skin
4. StevensJohnson syndrome

Question 2

The elderly client is prescribed phenobarbital for seizure control. What is most important intervention for the nurse to add to the client's care plan?

1. Monitor for signs of electrolyte imbalance.
2. Assess respiratory rate and depth every hour.
3. Track nutritional intake.
4. Measure and record all fluid intake and output.

akpaschal · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Increased seizure activity is not associated with valproic acid (Depakene).
Rationale 2: Migraine headaches and generalized irritability do not result from valproic acid (Depakene) and aspirin use.
Rationale 3: Valproic acid (Depakene) can prolong bleeding time; concomitant aspirin use can cause severe bleeding.
Rationale 4: StevensJohnson syndrome is a side effect of valproic acid (Depakene); its occurrence is not increased with concomitant aspirin use.
Global Rationale: Valproic acid (Depakene) can prolong bleeding time; concomitant aspirin use can cause severe bleeding. Increased seizure activity, migraine headaches and generalized irritability are not associated with the combination of valproic acid (Depakene) and aspirin. StevensJohnson syndrome is a side effect of valproic acid (Depakene); its occurrence is not increased with concomitant aspirin use.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Barbiturates do not affect electrolyte balance.
Rationale 2: Elderly clients are at risk for cumulative effects of barbiturates due to diminished hepatic and renal function.
Rationale 3: Nutritional status is important with elderly clients but is not the primary concern.
Rationale 4: Alteration of fluid balance is not a side effect of barbiturates.
Global Rationale: Elderly clients are at risk for cumulative effects of barbiturates due to diminished hepatic and renal function. Barbiturates do not affect electrolyte balance. Nutritional status is important with elderly clients but is not the primary concern. Alteration of fluid balance is not a side effect of barbiturates.