Question

Gabapentin has been prescribed for a pediatric client. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of teaching related to the medication?

a) "I can't take this medication within 2 hours of taking my antacid medication."
b) "This medication will make me extremely hungry."
c) "This medication should be taken in the evening before I go to bed."
d) "This medication can be sprinkled on my food."

Answer 1

Option A, "I can't take this medication within 2 hours of taking my antacid medication."

Step-by-step explanation:

Taking antacids can decrease the absorption of the gabapentin and, because of this, the medication should be put off at least 2 hours. If the patient can communicate this back to the healthcare provider, they are demonstrating adequate understanding of their patient education.

The medication can cause dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, depression, and other neurological effects such as new or worsening anxiety, as well as respiratory depression. However, new onset hunger due to the medication is not a listed side effect and the medication can be taken without regard to food. Gabapentin can be prescribed as taken three times daily with instruction to not surpass 12 hours between doses, so taking the medication in the evening before bed does not demonstrate understanding. Lastly, some forms of gabapentin are not to be crushed, broken, or chewed, thus ruling out the acceptability of sprinkling the medications particles on food as adequate understanding.