A nurse is teaching the partner of a client who had an acute myocardial infarction (MI) about the reason blood was drawn from the client. Which of the following statements should the nurse make regarding cardiac enzyme studies?

Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant medication that is used to prevent and treat seizures. It works by stabilizing the electrical activity of the brain and reducing the spread of abnormal impulses. Phenytoin is usually taken for life or until the seizures are controlled by other means, such as surgery or diet. The client should not stop taking phenytoin without consulting their doctor, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms or increase the risk of seizures.

The other options are correct and indicate that the client understands the discharge teaching because:

1. "I have made an appointment to see my dentist next week." This statement is correct because phenytoin can cause gingival hyperplasia, which is an overgrowth of gum tissue that can lead to bleeding, infection, or difficulty chewing. The client should practice good oral hygiene and see their dentist regularly to prevent or treat this condition.

1. "I will notify my doctor before taking any other medications." This statement is correct because phenytoin can interact with many other medications, such as antibiotics, anticoagulants, oral contraceptives, or antacids. These interactions can affect the blood levels and effectiveness of phenytoin or the other medications, causing adverse effects or reduced seizure control. The client should inform their doctor of any other medications they are taking or planning to take, including over-the-counter, herbal, or dietary supplements.
2. "I know that I cannot switch brands of this medication." This statement is correct because different brands of phenytoin may have different formulations or bioavailability, which can affect the absorption and metabolism of the drug. Switching brands can cause changes in the blood levels and effectiveness of phenytoin, leading to toxicity or reduced seizure control. The client should always use the same brand of phenytoin and check with their pharmacist if they notice any changes in the appearance or labeling of their medication.

To calculate the number of tablets, divide the total dose by the dose per tablet. In this case, the total dose is 1.5 mg / 3 = 0.5 mg and the dose per tablet is 0.5 mg. Therefore,

(number of tablets) = (0.5 mg) / (0.5 mg) = 1 tablet

Round the answer to the nearest tenth and use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero because it could be misread as a decimal point. Therefore, the nurse should administer 1 tablet per dose.