A patient is prescribed phenytoin for epileptic seizures. Which of the following is the priority for patient teaching?
Teach the patient to adjust the dose according to the presence of symptoms.
Tell the patient to take the medication with meals.
Inform the patient about the prevention of gingival hyperplasia.
Teach the patient to avoid the abrupt cessation of treatment.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale: Adjusting the dose based on symptoms is not appropriate for phenytoin. It should be taken consistently as prescribed.
Choice B rationale: While taking phenytoin with meals is a general recommendation, it is not the priority teaching point.
Choice C rationale: Informing the patient about the prevention of gingival hyperplasia is important but not the top priority.
Choice D rationale: Teaching the patient to avoid the abrupt cessation of treatment is crucial. Abruptly stopping phenytoin can lead to seizures, and patients should be advised to taper the medication under medical supervision.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Dry mouth is a known side effect of clonidine, and denying this information would be inaccurate.
Choice B rationale: Providing strategies to alleviate the side effect, such as offering hard candy or gum, is a proactive approach to managing the dry mouth without discontinuing the medication.
Choice C rationale: Stopping antihypertensive medication abruptly can lead to rebound hypertension, and the nurse should not encourage discontinuation without consulting the healthcare provider.
Choice D rationale: Adjusting the dose of clonidine should be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider; self-adjustment without professional input is not advisable.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Physical dependence is a state where the body has adapted to the presence of the opioid, and abrupt cessation may lead to withdrawal symptoms. However, the patient's statement indicates tolerance more than physical dependence.
Choice B rationale: The patient is at risk for tolerance, which is the need for an increased dose of a substance to achieve the same effect. This is common in chronic opioid therapy.
Choice C rationale: Abstinence syndrome is another term for withdrawal syndrome, and this is more associated with sudden cessation of opioids.
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