Final answer:
A nurse should inform a client with postherpetic neuralgia about the neuropathic pain treatment with gabapentin, including its action, pharmacokinetics, tolerability, and potential side effects like dizziness and fatigue. It is important to understand and monitor for side effects while following the dosage instructions carefully.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse educating a client with postherpetic neuralgia who has been prescribed gabapentin should include several important pieces of information. Postherpetic neuralgia is a form of neuropathic pain that can result after the lesions from shingles, which may last several weeks, have healed. Gabapentin works by stabilizing the electrical activity in the brain and affecting the way the nerves send messages to the brain about pain.
Gabapentin has been studied in both immediate-release capsules and extended-release tablets. Studies on the pharmacokinetics and tolerability have been focused on orally administered gabapentin enacarbil, including quantification of plasma levels after administration. Knowledge regarding the plasma levels is crucial as it helps in assessing the medication's efficacy and safety.
The nurse should also inform the client about the possible side effects of gabapentin, such as dizziness, fatigue, and potential issues with coordination. It's important for the client to understand not only the benefits of medication in managing neuropathic pain but also the importance of monitoring for side effects and following the dosage instructions meticulously to avoid complications.