ANSWERS 2022
1. What is the trade name for Phenytoin? - Dilantin
2. All anticonvulsants have what S/S in common? - dizziness, drowsiness, headache, confusion, weakness, ataxia
3. Incidence of seizures increase in what? - pregnancy
4. Some anti seizure medication may inhibit and increase the loss of what? - vitamin K and folic acid
5. What is Phenytoin (Dilantin)? - Anticonvulsant (hydantoin)
6. Why is the patient taking Phenytoin (Dilantin)? - tonic-clonic, partial seizures, staus epilepticus
7. What is the action of Phenytoin (Dilantin)? - minimizes neuron excitability by reducing motor cortex activity
8. What is the route for Phenytoin (Dilantin)? - PO, IV
9. What are the warnings for Phenytoin (Dilantin)? - teratogenic agent, do not use in pregnancy, dilute for infusion
10. What are the side effects of Phenytoin (Dilantin)? - slurred speech, parathesia, N/V, constipation, altered taste,
Gingival hyperplasia, nystagmus
11. What are the nursing considerations for Phenytoin (Dilantin)? - seizure prophylaxis, monitor for suicidal ideation
and psychosis, don't take with herbs or antipsychotics
, 12. What is the therapeutic range for Phenytoin (Dilantin)? - 10-20 mcg/mL
13. What are the adverse reactions to Phenytoin (Dilantin)? - purple glove syndrome, injection site reaction, Steven-
johnson syndrome
14. Why should a patient not take herbs or antipsychotics with Phenytoin (Dilantin)? - lowers seizure threshold
15. What is the trade name for phenobarbital? - Luminal
16. What is phenobarbital (Luminal)? - long acting barbiturate anticonvulsant
17. Why is the patient taking phenobarbital (Luminal)? - tonic-clonic, partial, myoclonic seizures, status epilepticus,
sedation
18. What is the action of phenobarbital (Luminal)? - enhances activity of GABA and inhibitory neurotransmitter
19. What is the route for phenobarbital (Luminal)? - PO, IM, IV
20. What is the therapeutic range for phenobarbital (Luminal)? - 15-40 mcg/mL
21. What are the side effects of phenobarbital (Luminal)? - hypotension, bradycardia, N/V, constipation
22. What are the nursing considerations for phenobarbital (Luminal)? - gradual d/c, take with food to minimize GI
upset, monitor respiratory depression, avoid pregnancy
23. What is the trade name for Ethosuximide? - Zarontin
24. What is Ethosuximide (Zarontin)? - succinimide anticonvulsant
25. Why is the patient taking Ethosuximide (Zarontin)? - absence seizures
26. What is the action of Ethosuximide (Zarontin)? - decrease calcium influx through the t-type calcium channels