Question

Chapters 20-25
Lehne's Pharmacology for Nursing Care, 10th Edition
by Burchum DNSc APRN BC, Jacqueline (Author), Rosenthal DNP ACNP, Laura (Author)
ISBN-13: 978-0323512275 | ISBN-10: 0323512275

Ch 25 Case Study NAME___________________________
You are the pediatric nurse caring for Missy, an 8-year-old who has been diagnosed with epilepsy. Missy
will be hospitalized for at least 3 more days. Missy has been prescribed carbamazepine. You have been
assigned to develop the initial teaching plan for Missy and her parents. How will you best prepare to
answer these questions?
1. Does the patient need to follow the time frame established for administration of the drugs used in her
treatment?
Answer:
Rationale:
How can Missy and her parents assist the healthcare team in determining how her seizures can best be
treated?
Answer:
Rationale:
2. What are the action, side effects, and precautions needed for carbamazepine?
Answer:
Rationale:

Answer 1

1.It is a must to follow the time frame for administration of this drug because it can irritate the stomach if taken in empty stomach so has to be taken along food,the maximum recommended dose is always less than 100mg for children less than 12 years and calculated onnthe basis of BMI. No skipping, extra dise becsuse this can lead to adverse effects.

Missy and her patent can assist the healthcare team in the following way

• Informing any adverse reaction or side effects immediately (nausea, vomiting,dyspnea,dizziness,fever,chills,pain etc.,)
• Inform the length of seizure during an attack to differentiate the type of seizure and provide care accordingly
• Can discuss with the healthcare team to clear any doubts and provide suggestions

2.Action:It is an anticonvulsant medication .It binds tobthe inactive form of sodium and preventing the action potential ,in simple it is a sodium channel blocker.

Side effects:

• GIT:nausea,vomiting, constipation, dry mouth
• CVS:hypotension,syncope,MI
• CNS:dizziness,drowsy,headache
• Musculoskeletal :pain
• Genitourinary:decreased urine output ,
• Sensory:conjunctivitis
• Respiratory :breathing difficulties

Precautions :

• Not to use in case of hypersensitivity,jaundice,pregnancy,hepatitis
• In case MAO inhibitor is used in less than 14 days period
• Complete history collection about the child
• To be used in caution with liver and renal problem cases
• Not to be exposed to Sun as it can cause burns