In: Nursing
James is 5 years old and was diagnosed with new onset of tonic–clonic seizures. He will be sent home on Dilantin 240 mg PO b.i.d and Diastat 10 mg PR (rectal Valium) for breakthrough seizures.
a. What are the priority teaching needs for James and his parents?
b. How does Dilantin prevent seizures, and why is it a good choice for James?
c. What is Diastat (rectal Valium) and how should it be given?
This is the case of juvenile tonic -clonic seizures. Hence the doctors have prescribed the Dialantin 240mg PO b.i.d. as this is the extended released phenytoin and Diastat 10 mg Pr (rectal vallium) as it is modified released rectal dosage form having the diazepam as it is the drug of choice in case of juvenile status epilepticus.
Hence both the medicines are very good.
In this case the priority teaching needs for james and his parents are that he may feel some unusual signs like lack of concentration, sleepiness, excessive thirst and loss of stools several times.
Hence the parents are advised to have a close observation of such symptoms at home and immediate consult the physician.
Dilantin containing the salt phenytoin is best used in the juvenile epilepsy it prevents seizures by slowing down impulses in the brain that are responsible for seizures.
Diastat (rectal Valium containing the diazepam), it is used in the breakthrough seizures along with the other medication of the seizures, it is given from the rectal route as the suppository based tablet.