Page 2071 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

dysrhythmias could occur.
h. Assess for ataxia (staggering gait).
i. Instruct the client to consult with the
PHCP before taking other medications
to ensure compatibility with
anticonvulsants.

Phenytoin must be given slowly to prevent

hypotension and cardiac dysrhythmias. Also, it may
decrease the effectiveness of some birth control pills
and may cause teratogenic effects, if taken during
pregnancy.
E. Barbiturates: Amobarbital, phenobarbital
1. Barbiturates are used for tonic-clonic seizures and
acute episodes of seizures caused by status
epilepticus.
2. Barbiturates also may be used as adjuncts to
anesthesia.
3. Side and adverse effects

a. Sedation, ataxia, and dizziness

during initial treatment
b. Mood changes
c. Hypotension

d. Respiratory depression

e. Tolerance to the medication
F. Benzodiazepines: Clonazepam, clorazepate, diazepam, lorazepam
1. Benzodiazepines are used to treat absence seizures.
2. Diazepam and lorazepam are used to treat status
epilepticus, anxiety, and skeletal muscle spasms.
3. Clorazepate is used as adjunctive therapy for partial
seizures.
4. Side and adverse effects
a. Sedation, drowsiness, dizziness, blurred
vision

b. For intravenous injection,

administer slowly to prevent
bradycardia.
c. Medication tolerance and dependency
d. Blood dyscrasias: Decreased platelet
count and decreased white blood cell
count
e. Hepatotoxicity

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