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Advantages of different anticonvulsant medications for different types of seizures
Advantages of different anticonvulsant medications for different types of seizures ( 4 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client who has been taking phenytoin (Dilantin) for partial seizures. The nurse notes that the client has a serum phenytoin level of 25 mcg/mL. What is the appropriate action by the nurse?
Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant that works by stabilizing the neuronal membrane and preventing the spread of seizure activity¹. The therapeutic range of phenytoin is **10-20 mcg/mL**²³⁴⁵. A serum phenytoin level of **25 mcg/mL** is above the therapeutic range and indicates toxicity. The nurse should hold the next dose and notify the provider to prevent further adverse effects, such as nystagmus, ataxia, confusion, and coma¹.
Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant that works by stabilizing the neuronal membrane and preventing the spread of seizure activity¹. The therapeutic range of phenytoin is **10-20 mcg/mL**²³⁴⁵. A serum phenytoin level of **25 mcg/mL** is above the therapeutic range and indicates toxicity. The nurse should hold the next dose and notify the provider to prevent further adverse effects, such as nystagmus, ataxia, confusion, and coma¹.
Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant that works by stabilizing the neuronal membrane and preventing the spread of seizure activity¹. The therapeutic range of phenytoin is **10-20 mcg/mL**²³⁴⁵. A serum phenytoin level of **25 mcg/mL** is above the therapeutic range and indicates toxicity. The nurse should hold the next dose and notify the provider to prevent further adverse effects, such as nystagmus, ataxia, confusion, and coma¹.
Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant that works by stabilizing the neuronal membrane and preventing the spread of seizure activity¹. The therapeutic range of phenytoin is **10-20 mcg/mL**²³⁴⁵. A serum phenytoin level of **25 mcg/mL** is above the therapeutic range and indicates toxicity. The nurse should hold the next dose and notify the provider to prevent further adverse effects, such as nystagmus, ataxia, confusion, and coma¹.
Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant that works by stabilizing the neuronal membrane and preventing the spread of seizure activity¹. The therapeutic range of phenytoin is **10-20 mcg/mL**²³⁴⁵. A serum phenytoin level of **25 mcg/mL** is above the therapeutic range and indicates toxicity. The nurse should hold the next dose and notify the provider to prevent further adverse effects, such as nystagmus, ataxia, confusion, and coma¹.
Choice A. Administer the next dose as scheduled is wrong because it would increase the risk of phenytoin toxicity and worsen the client's condition.
Choice C. Increase the next dose by 25% is wrong because it would also increase the risk of phenytoin toxicity and worsen the client's condition.
Choice D. Decrease the next dose by 25% is wrong because it may not be enough to lower the phenytoin level to the therapeutic range. The nurse should consult with the provider before making any dose adjustments.