Questions and Answers | Latest Version
| 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What is a key teaching point for patients taking phenobarbital for seizure control?
✔✔Avoid alcohol and activities that require alertness until effects are known.
Why must phenobarbital be dosed carefully in older adults?
✔✔Older adults are more sensitive to sedative effects and at risk of CNS depression.
What is a life-threatening risk of lamotrigine therapy?
✔✔Development of a severe rash like Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
What symptom should patients report immediately while taking lamotrigine?
✔✔Any skin rash, especially if accompanied by fever or blistering.
How does topiramate help prevent seizures?
✔✔It works by inhibiting excitatory neurotransmitters and enhancing GABA activity.
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, What side effect of topiramate can affect a patient's ability to function daily?
✔✔Cognitive effects such as confusion or difficulty with concentration.
What is the main therapeutic use of phenytoin?
✔✔To prevent and control seizures, especially tonic-clonic and partial seizures.
What is a serious adverse effect of phenytoin that requires dental monitoring?
✔✔Gingival hyperplasia, or overgrowth of the gums.
Why is it important to monitor blood levels when a patient is taking phenytoin?
✔✔Phenytoin has a narrow therapeutic index, and toxic levels can lead to severe side effects.
What condition is carbamazepine primarily used to treat?
✔✔Seizure disorders, including partial and tonic-clonic seizures.
What is a common side effect of carbamazepine that should be reported immediately?
✔✔Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a rare but serious skin reaction.
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