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Questions and Answers
What is a potential consequence of status epilepticus if it lasts longer than 20 minutes?
What is a potential consequence of status epilepticus if it lasts longer than 20 minutes?
Which drug is primarily used to treat absence seizures?
Which drug is primarily used to treat absence seizures?
What is an important nursing implication when managing patients on CNS depressants?
What is an important nursing implication when managing patients on CNS depressants?
Why might women of childbearing age be advised against certain antiseizure medications?
Why might women of childbearing age be advised against certain antiseizure medications?
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What action do many antiseizure drugs take to stabilize nerve membranes?
What action do many antiseizure drugs take to stabilize nerve membranes?
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Study Notes
Anti-Seizure Medications
- Anti-seizure medications work in several ways, including enhancing GABA's action, a central nervous system depressant, or directly/indirectly altering sodium and calcium channels to stabilize nerve membranes.
- Common side effects include dependence, drowsiness, vitamin deficiencies, and laryngospasm.
- Nursing implications include monitoring patient condition, liver/kidney function, and advising against using these medications for pain relief due to potential increased sensitivity to pain.
- Patients should be warned about other CNS depressants and alcohol (ETOH) intake.
- Medications are usually administered orally (PO) and intravenously (IV). Respiratory monitoring is crucial when administering IV medications.
Specific Anti-Seizure Medications
- Absence Seizures: Valproic acid, ethosuximide, and diazepam are common treatments.
- Partial Seizures: Phenytoin, valproic acid, levetiracetam, carbamazepine, and phenobarbital are commonly used treatments.
- Status Epilepticus: This is a continuous series of tonic-clonic seizures lasting at least 20-30 minutes. Prolonged status epilepticus (>20 minutes) can lead to permanent neurological damage and death.
Special Considerations
- Pediatric patients: Often require higher dosages (mg/kg) compared to adults due to faster absorption and metabolism, requiring larger doses to maintain therapeutic levels.
- Pregnancy: Many anti-seizure medications are categorized as pregnancy category D, potentially linked to fetal abnormalities. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception during treatment, and the benefits of medication must outweigh the risks if pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
- Eclampsia: This severe hypertensive disorder during pregnancy is characterized by seizures, coma, and perinatal mortality. Contraceptives may be recommended.
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Description
This quiz delves into the various anti-seizure medications, their mechanisms of action, and nursing implications. It highlights common side effects and specific medications used for different types of seizures. Understanding these elements is essential for effective patient care and medication management.
