A Patient Has Been Taking an AED for Several Years

question 7

Multiple Choice

A patient has been taking an AED for several years as part of his treatment for partial seizures.His wife has called because he ran out of medication this morning and wonders if he can go without it for a week until she has a chance to go to the drugstore.What is the nurse's best response?

• A) "He is taking another antiepileptic drug,so he can go without the medication for a week."
• B) "Stopping this medication abruptly may cause withdrawal seizures.A refill is needed right away."
• C) "He can temporarily increase the dosage of his other antiseizure medications until you get the refill."
• D) "He can stop all medications because he has been treated for several years now."

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Definitions:

Diaphragm

A dome-shaped muscular partition separating the thorax from the abdomen in mammals, playing a major role in breathing by contracting and flattening to enlarge the thoracic cavity.

Illuminates

Shines light on or brightens, often used metaphorically to clarify or enlighten a subject.

Microscope

An instrument used to view very small objects by magnifying them.

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The concentration of glucose in the blood, important for diagnosing and managing diabetes.