The nurse is caring for a patient who was given a new medical prescription for phenytoin. What would the nurse stress in the discharge instructions regarding this medication?

"Use a cane or walker when you begin to have difficulty walking."

"Adjust the dose depending upon observed seizure activity."

"You will need to have blood levels drawn annually."

"Be sure to have regular visits to the dentist."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. While using a cane or walker may be necessary for some patients experiencing balance issues, it is not a specific instruction related to phenytoin.

B. Phenytoin dosages should not be adjusted solely based on observed seizure activity; the dose must be managed carefully based on serum drug levels and the clinician's guidance.

C. Patients on phenytoin typically require more frequent monitoring of blood levels (every 2-3 months initially) rather than annually, as maintaining therapeutic levels is essential to avoid toxicity or ineffective seizure control.

D. Regular dental visits are crucial for patients taking phenytoin because the medication can cause gingival hyperplasia (overgrowth of gum tissue), which necessitates careful dental hygiene and regular monitoring by a dentist to prevent complications.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Discussing over-the-counter drugs with the healthcare provider is essential, as they can interact with antiepileptic medications.

B. Discontinuing antiepileptic medications abruptly can lead to rebound seizures and is unsafe, so this statement is correct.

C. Doubling up on doses can lead to toxicity and adverse effects; missed doses should not be made up by doubling the next dose. This response indicates the need for further teaching.

D. Taking medications exactly as prescribed is necessary to maintain therapeutic levels and manage seizure control effectively.

A. Frequent passive range of motion B. Coughing and deep breathing exercises once per shift C. Turn patient every 4 hours D. Ambulate patient twice per shift

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Frequent passive range of motion exercises are crucial for preventing complications of immobility, such as contractures and pressure ulcers, and to promote circulation in patients with spinal cord injuries.

B. While coughing and deep breathing exercises are important for respiratory health, they should be performed more frequently than once per shift in patients with reduced mobility to prevent respiratory complications.

C. Turning the patient every 4 hours may not be adequate to prevent pressure ulcers; typically, patients should be turned at least every 2 hours.

D. Patients with a complete spinal cord injury at C7 typically lack the ability to ambulate, making this intervention inappropriate.

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The nurse is caring for a patient who was given a new medical prescription for phenytoin. What would the nurse stress in the discharge instructions regarding this medication?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with epilepsy who is prescribed antiepileptic medications. The nurse would identify the need for further teaching when the patient states:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a patient with a complete spinal cord injury at the level of C7. Which intervention would the nurse implement in order to prevent complications related to immobility?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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