What should the nurse do regarding grapefruit juice when preparing a carbamazepine prescription?

The correct action in regard to grapefruit juice when preparing a carbamazepine prescription is to remove it from the breakfast tray for safety. Grapefruit juice has the potential to interact with various medications, including carbamazepine. This juice can inhibit the cytochrome P450 enzymes, specifically CYP3A4, that are responsible for metabolizing carbamazepine in the liver. This inhibition can lead to increased blood levels of the drug, which raises the risk of side effects and toxicity.

Therefore, when caring for a patient prescribed carbamazepine, it is essential to eliminate grapefruit juice from their diet to avoid this interaction, ensuring the medication is metabolized effectively and the patient receives the intended therapeutic effect without adverse reactions.