A nurse is instructing a client about a newly prescribed medication, phenytoin. Which statements, if made by the client, indicate effective teaching?
A nurse is instructing a client about a newly prescribed medication, phenytoin. Which statements, if made by the client, indicate effective teaching?
A. “If my gums get irritated and large, I can stop this medication.”
[11%]
B. “I will need laboratory work to monitor the medication level.”
[79%]
C. “It is okay for me to increase this medication if I have a seizure.”
[4%]
D. “I should take this medication with low protein foods.”
[6%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Pharmacology
Lesson
Neurologic
Client Need
Test Plan
Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Related Topic
Adverse Effects/Contraindications/Side Effects/Interactions
Item Type
Item Type
Knowledge/Comprehension
Explanation
Choice B is correct. Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant and is indicated for epilepsy. Therapeutic levels must be maintained to ensure the effectiveness of the drug. The therapeutic drug levels of phenytoin are 10-20 mcg/mL.
Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant medication that requires adherence to prevent seizure activity. The client should not stop the drug because of the side-effect of gingival hyperplasia; instead, the client should report this effect. The client's self-discontinuing the medication increases the risk of a seizure. The client should not increase the drug if they have a seizure. Phenytoin can be taken with or without food. This medication does not have any dietary restrictions.
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4 Key Topics
Anticonvulsants
6.6 Nervous System Drugs
Anticonvulsants (Phenytoin)
