You are the pediatric nurse caring for Missy, an 8-year-old girl who has been diagnosed with epilepsy. Missy will be hospitalized for at least 3 more days. Missy has been prescribed carbamazepine. You have been assigned to develop the initial teaching plan for Missy and her parents. How will you best prepare to answer these questions?
1. Does the patient need to follow the time frame established for administration of the drugs used in her treatment?
2. How can Missy and her parents assist the healthcare team in determining how her seizures can best be treated?
3. What are the action, side effects, and precautions needed for carbamazepine?