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A nurse is conducting discharge teaching for a patient who has seizures and a new prescription for phenytoin. Which statements by the patient indicate a need for further teaching?

A.

“I know that I cannot switch brands of this medication.”.

B.

“I have made an appointment to see my dentist next week.”.

C.

“I will notify my doctor before taking any other medications.”.

D.

“I’ll be glad when I can stop taking this medicine.”. .

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale

Phenytoin is an antiepileptic medication used to control seizures. It’s important for the patient to understand that they should not switch brands of this medication without consulting their healthcare provider. Different brands of phenytoin can have different effects, and switching could potentially lead to changes in seizure control.

Choice B rationale

Regular dental appointments are important for patients taking phenytoin. This medication can cause gum overgrowth (gingival hyperplasia), so good oral hygiene and regular dental check- ups are essential.

Choice C rationale

It’s crucial for patients to notify their doctor before taking any other medications. Phenytoin can interact with many other drugs, altering their effectiveness or increasing side effects.

Therefore, the patient’s statement indicates an understanding of the need for caution when considering additional medications.

Choice D rationale

Phenytoin is a long-term medication for controlling seizures. It’s not something that patients can stop taking once they feel better. Abruptly stopping the medication can lead to withdrawal

seizures. Therefore, the patient’s statement, “I’ll be glad when I can stop taking this medicine,” indicates a need for further teaching about the importance of continuing the medication as prescribed.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Drinking a full glass of water after taking the medication is a good practice when taking calcium carbonate antacids. This helps to ensure that the medication is fully swallowed and reaches the stomach, where it can neutralize stomach acid.

Choice B rationale

Limiting sodium intake is not directly related to the use of calcium carbonate antacids. While a low-sodium diet may be recommended for other health reasons, it is not a specific recommendation for patients taking this medication.

Choice C rationale

Consuming the medication alongside dairy products to enhance absorption is not recommended. Calcium carbonate antacids can interact with dairy products, potentially leading to an excessive intake of calcium.

Choice D rationale

Reducing dietary fiber to counteract the potential side effect of diarrhea is not a typical recommendation for patients taking calcium carbonate antacids. While calcium carbonate can cause constipation in some people, it does not typically cause diarrhea.

Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"C"},"B":{"answers":"C"},"C":{"answers":"B"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"A"},"F":{"answers":"A"}}

Explanation

Action

Essential

Nonessential

Contraindicated

Increasing IV fluid rate

The current rate is prescribed by the provider; increasing it without further assessment could lead to complications.

Encouraging the client to sit up without assistance

The client feels faint upon sitting up and is unsteady, so this could be dangerous.

Administering antiemetic medication

Helpful but not immediately critical.

Monitoring respiratory rate closely

Crucial due to client's rapid breathing and anxiety.

Providing reassurance and calming interventions

Important due to client's anxiety and discomfort.

Checking electrolyte levels regularly

Essential for ongoing monitoring given the client's symptoms.

Essential

  1. Monitoring respiratory rate closely: The client is breathing rapidly and appears anxious, making close monitoring crucial to ensure timely intervention and management of respiratory issues.

  2. Providing reassurance and calming interventions: The client is anxious and discomforted. Providing reassurance and calming interventions is important to address their immediate emotional and psychological needs.

  3. Checking electrolyte levels regularly: Given the client's symptoms and the need for ongoing monitoring, checking electrolyte levels is essential for managing their condition effectively.

Nonessential

  1. Administering antiemetic medication: While helpful for managing nausea, this action is not immediately critical compared to other interventions that address more urgent needs.

Contraindicated

  1. Encouraging the client to sit up without assistance: The client feels faint and is unsteady when sitting up. Encouraging them to sit up without assistance could be dangerous and may increase the risk of falls or injuries.

  2. Increasing IV fluid rate: The current IV fluid rate is prescribed by the provider. Increasing it without further assessment could lead to complications and should be avoided unless directed by a healthcare provider.

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