Question

The health care provider prescribes carbamazepine (Tegretol) for a child whose tonic-clonic seizures have been poorly controlled. The nurse informs the mother that the child must have blood tests every week. The mother asks why so many blood tests are necessary. What complication is assessed through frequent laboratory testing, which the nurse should explain to this mother?

Answer 1

The blood tests are necessary to assess carbamazepine-induced bone marrow suppression.

Step-by-step explanation:

The frequent blood tests are necessary to assess the complication known as carbamazepine-induced bone marrow suppression. Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant medication used to control seizures, but it can cause a decrease in certain blood cell counts, such as white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. By monitoring the blood tests, the healthcare provider can detect any decrease in cell counts early and adjust the treatment if necessary to prevent serious complications.