A nurse is giving a discharge education to a patient who has been diagnosed with epilepsy. Which of these teachings would she stress the most?

A nurse is giving a discharge education to a patient who has been diagnosed with epilepsy. Which of these teachings would she stress the most?

1. Avoid doing alcohol and drugs
2. Follow up with the neurologist, physician, or other health care provider as prescribed
3. Do not stop taking anticonvulsants, even if seizures have stopped
4. Wear a medical alert bracelet or carry an ID card indicating epilepsy

1. Avoid doing alcohol and drugs
Incorrect – Although this is a general teaching that would be applied to any hospital discharge situation, it is not the priority to be stressed.

2. Follow up with the neurologist, physician, or other health care provider as prescribed
Incorrect – Although this is correct to include in discharge education, following this instruction is not directly contributing to their safety, so is not the priority.

Correct Answer: 3. Do not stop taking anticonvulsants, even if seizures have stopped
Correct – Following this instruction is essential for their safety, since stopping anti-epileptic drugs suddenly can cause seizures and an increased chance of status epilecticus

4. Wear a medical alert bracelet or carry an ID card indicating epilepsy
Incorrect – Although this is correct to include in discharge education, following this instruction is not directly contributing to their safety, so is not the priority.