Question

Antiepileptic Drugs Chapter 29 Discussion: Antiepileptic Drugs The nurse is caring for Mary Smith, a 28-year-old patient who is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of new onset of seizures. She denies any past medical history and does not take any medications. After a comprehensive assessment and completion of diagnostic tests, the healthcare provider has diagnosed her with seizure disorders. The description of the seizure activity reported by the EMS are consistent with tonic-clonic seizures. Her acute episode of seizure activity was controlled with IV lorazepam. She has been started on an antiepileptic drug for maintenance therapy. She is now ready to be discharged home and asks the nurse, "Why must I continue taking this medication since I have no more seizures?" How should the nurse respond? What should the nurse include in the educational discharge plan?

Answer 1

The nurse should advise the patient to continue the seizure medication because due to the effects of drug there is no seizure in the present situation. There may be a seizure after stopping medication so, its safe to continue medication.

If there is no seizure till 5 years then you can consider stopping or in some cases, if you develop an allergic reaction or you are pregnant then you can consider stopping seizure medication.

The nurse should tell the patient and his family members about safety during the seizure, the most important is safety before seizure-like do not lock the door, clean the patient pathway to prevent injury, avoid going outside, etc.

The patient should avoid outdoor sports and driving because it can be dangerous if the seizure started at that time.

The nurse should advise the patient take medication regularly as advised and come to follow up visist.