The nurse is teaching a client with epilepsy who has a new prescription for phenytoin (Dilantin). Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
Maintain good oral hygiene.
You can switch between brand name or generic for medications.
This medication is safe to take during pregnancy.
Take this medication on an empty stomach.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Phenytoin (Dilantin) is known to cause gingival hyperplasia (gum overgrowth), so it is important for the client to maintain good oral hygiene to help reduce the risk of this side effect. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are recommended to help manage and prevent gum problems.
B. Phenytoin has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning that small changes in the dose or blood levels of the drug can have significant effects. Switching between brand name and generic forms of phenytoin may lead to variations in drug absorption, potentially affecting the client’s seizure control. The client should use the same brand unless instructed otherwise by their healthcare provider.
C. Phenytoin is not considered safe during pregnancy due to the risk of birth defects (e.g., fetal hydantoin syndrome). Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should discuss alternative treatments with their healthcare provider.
D. Phenytoin can be taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal irritation. It is important to follow the specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider or pharmacist.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Milk contains calcium, which can interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine and decrease its effectiveness. It is not recommended to take it with milk.
B. Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach for optimal absorption. Taking it with food, especially on a full stomach, may reduce its effectiveness.
C. While vitamin C in orange juice may enhance the absorption of some medications, it is not recommended for levothyroxine. It is best absorbed when taken with water, not juice.
D. Two hours before a meal Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach, ideally 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast, but taking it at least two hours before a meal ensures the best absorption and avoids food interactions.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. The statement active rewarming may increase oxygen demands is true for some conditions, like hypothermia, but it is not the primary reason to avoid heating pads for a client with myxedema. While rewarming can increase oxygen demands, the primary concern with heating pads is the risk of burns due to impaired thermoregulation in myxedema.
B. This is not relevant to the scenario. The concern with heating pads is not about choking hazards but about burns and safe rewarming.
C. In myxedema, the body’s ability to regulate temperature and respond to thermal stimuli is impaired due to severe hypothyroidism. This puts the client at a higher risk for burns if heating pads are used. Using warm blankets instead of heating pads ensures a safer, more gradual rewarming process.
D. While warm blankets may indeed be more comforting, the primary reason for using them instead of heating pads is to avoid the risk of burns due to impaired temperature regulation.
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