Question

A client taking phenobarbital​ (Luminal) for seizure control asks the nurse how the prescription can control seizures. Which response should the nurse provide the​ client?

a. ​"Phenobarbital (Luminal) stops seizures by increasing a chemical called glutamate that calms down the excitability in the​brain."
b. "Phenobarbital (Luminal) stops seizures by decreasing the calcium in the​ brain, which is responsible for the​ seizures."
c. "Phenobarbital (Luminal) stops seizures by increasing a chemical called GABA that calms down the excitability in the​brain."
d. "Phenobarbital (Luminal) stops seizures by decreasing the sodium in​ brain, which is responsible for the​ seizures."

Answer 1

Phenobarbital controls seizures by enhancing the effects of GABA, the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter, thereby reducing the brain's excitability and preventing seizures.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct response the nurse should provide is: "Phenobarbital (Luminal) stops seizures by increasing a chemical called GABA that calms down the excitability in the brain." Phenobarbital is a barbiturate that works by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.

By doing so it helps to stabilize the electrical activity in the brain and prevent the excessive neuronal firing that leads to seizures. The role of GABA is to inhibit excessive neuronal activity, which is crucial for controlling seizures. Phenobarbital increases the activity of GABAergic synapses which contributes to calmer and more regulated electrical activity in the cerebral cortex. This helps to maintain the excitatory-inhibitory (E/I) balance that is essential for normal brain function and to prevent the abnormal electrical activity known to cause seizures.