C H A P T E R 2 3
Antiseizure agents
371
6.
Focal or partial seizures:
a.
start at one point and spread quickly throughout
the brain.
b.
are best treated with benzodiazepines.
c.
involve only part of the brain.
d.
are easily diagnosed and recognised.
7.
One drug that is used alone in the treatment of
partial seizures is:
a.
carbamazepine.
b.
topiramate.
c.
lamotrigine.
d.
gabapentin.
8.
Treatment of epilepsy is directed at:
a.
blocking the transmission of nerve impulses into
the brain.
b.
stabilising overexcited nerve membranes.
c.
blocking peripheral nerve terminals.
d.
thickening the meninges to dampen brain
electrical activity.
MULTIPLE RESPONSE
Select all that apply.
1.
A person has been stabilised on phenytoin (
Dilantin
)
for several years and has not experienced a grand
mal seizure in more than 3 years. The person
decides to stop the drug because it no longer seems
to be needed. In counselling the person, the nurse
or midwife should include which of the following
points?
a.
He will always need this drug.
b.
This drug needs to be slowly tapered to avoid
potentially serious adverse effects.
c.
He is probably correct and the drug is not
needed.
d.
The drug should not be stopped until appropriate
blood tests are done.
e.
Stopping the drug suddenly could precipitate
seizures because the nerves will be more sensitive.
f.
His insurance company won’t cover any problems
that might occur if he stops the drug without
doctor’s approval.
2.
The most common adverse effects associated with
antiepileptic therapy reflect the depression of the
CNS. In assessing a person on antiepileptic therapy,
the nurse or midwife would monitor the person for
which of the following?
a.
hypertension
b.
insomnia
c.
confusion
d.
GI depression
e.
increased salivation
f.
tachycardia
