A patient who is taking oral contraceptives begins taking valproic acid [Depakote] for seizures. After a week of therapy with valproic acid, the patient tells the nurse that she is experiencing nausea. What will the nurse do?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gastrointestinal effects, including nausea, vomiting, and indigestion, are common with valproic acid and can be minimized by taking the drug with food or using an enteric-coated product. Hyperammonemia can occur when valproic acid is combined with topiramate. Signs of pregnancy usually do not occur within a week, so this is less likely. Hepatotoxicity is a rare adverse effect.

A Patient Who Is Taking Oral Contraceptives Begins Taking Valproic