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The main treatment strategy for epilepsy is the use of antiseizure medications (ASMs). The Epilepsy Foundation (n.d.) estimates ASMs successfully manage seizure activity in approximately 70% of people diagnosed with [...], Antiseizure medications (ASMs) and oral contraceptives have significant interactions that impact their effectiveness. Medical-surgical nurses who care for women with epilepsy (WWE) of childbearing age should understand these interactions so they can provide accurate contraceptive counseling and advocate for appropriate medication reconciliation for WWE who take ASMs and are considering birth control options. Keywords: epilepsy, women with epilepsy, antiseizure medications, contraceptives, contraception, birth control, medication reconciliation Learning Outcome: After completing this education activity, the learner will be able to discuss the drug interactions between antiseizure medications and oral contraceptives, and the use of alternative therapies in women with epilepsy who are of childbearing age.

Osteoporosis affects about 12 million people over age 50 in the United States. Medical-surgical nurses are very likely to care for patients who are using first-line treatments for osteoporosis. Nurses [...]

Heart failure (HF) is caused by structural and functional defects in the myocardium, resulting in impairment of ventricular filling or the ejection of blood (Inamdar & Inamdar, 2016). Roughly half [...], The long-term goal of treatment and management of heart failure is to avoid exacerbation and decrease hospital readmissions. Nurses play a key role not only in educating the patient regarding the pathophysiology of the disease process, but also in monitoring and serving as a resource to the patient regarding essential medications to optimize cardiac function and reduce morbidity and mortality.

Up to 185 million people are infected worldwide with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Approximately 3 million Americans have HCV, with genotype 1 as the most common and genotype 4 [...], Approximately 3 million Americans are infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Medical-surgical nurses should be knowledgeable of patient treatment combinations, important nursing considerations, and patient teaching when administering HCV medications to encourage patient adherence and ensure patient safety.

Although hepatitis B virus (HBV) is preventable and treatable, it has the highest mortality rate of all strains of hepatitis virus (Karch, 2017). According to the Hepatitis B Foundation (2017), [...], Hepatitis B virus has the highest mortality rate of all strains of hepatitis virus, but it is preventable and treatable. Knowledge of first-line therapies, requirements to monitor clinical progress, and nursing management for antiviral therapy drug administration will allow medical-surgical nurses to provide optimal care to their patients.

In the United States, more than 1.2 million people are living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); 1 in 8 of them may not even know it (Centers for Disease Control [...], Medical-surgical nurses in collaboration with an interprofessional team play an integral role in optimizing adherence and outcomes for patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Knowledge of antiretroviral medications and regimens is essential for medical-surgical nurses to help achieve treatment goals of individuals infected with HIV.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) refers to a group of disorders affecting the structure and function of the kidney. It involves progressive loss of renal function. Determination of renal dysfunction is [...], The goal of medication therapy for patients with renal disease is to treat the patients' medical needs while preserving kidney function. Careful consideration of medications and their risks is imperative to reach this goal. Using one of the various calculations to adjust the dosage is imperative for patients with renal disease.

Maldigestion occurs when digestive enzymes are lacking to help break complex food components into absorbable nutrients within the gastrointestinal tract. Education is needed to help patients manage the intricacies of [...]

The thyroid is the butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower front of the neck. Its purpose is to regulate the body's metabolism. This endocrine gland produces two main thyroid hormones: [...], Hyperthyroidism is a treatable endocrine disorder. Having a working knowledge of the current evidence-based guidelines for treating hyperthyroidism aids in improved patient care.

Drug abuse is a reality for people from all walks of life. Most nurses have met someone who is struggling with substance abuse problems. As advocates for health and wellness, [...], With health and wellness advocacy as a part of their role, medical-surgical nurses should do their best to address patients' hidden health care concerns such as drug misuse and abuse, and lead them to treatment resources. By gaining knowledge of prescription drug abuse and misuse, nurses will be more prepared to recognize these problems in their patients.

Drug abuse is a chronic public health problem, affecting all levels of society, with potential irreversible consequences. Drug abuse may affect a person's relationships, employment status, educational opportunities, status in [...], Prescription drug abuse/misuse is increasing. Nonmedical use of prescription medications, especially opioid analgesics, now is considered an epidemic in the United States. Medical-surgical nurses are in a strategic position to help address substance abuse problems in patients.

Influenza, commonly known as flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2013c). A person who catches the flu may present [...], The best way to prevent influenza and its potentially life-threatening complications is by receiving the annual flu immunization at the earliest opportunity. As patient educators, nurses should help individuals, families, and the community receive the benefits of this important illness prevention strategy.

Overactive bladder syndrome is used to identify a group of urinary symptoms (e.g., frequency, nocturia, urgency with or without urinary incontinence) related to detrusor activity without verification of urodynamic testing [...]

Lately, I have been reflecting on the article by Lachman, Swanson, and Winland-Brown (2015) that presented practical applications of the recently edited Code of Ethics for Nurses (American Nurses Association [...]