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?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Stopping antiepileptic medication abruptly can cause withdrawal seizures, which can be dangerous. It is important for the patient to continue taking the medication as prescribed and for the wife to refill the prescription as soon as possible. Option A is incorrect because it assumes that the patient is taking another antiepileptic drug, which may not be the case. Option C is incorrect because adjusting the dosage of other medications should only be done under medical supervision. Option D is incorrect because it is not safe for the patient to stop all medication abruptly.

A Patient Has Been Taking an AED for Several Years