A patient is prescribed phenytoin for epileptic seizures. Which of the following is the priority for patient teaching?
Teach the patient to adjust the dose according to the presence of symptoms.
Tell the patient to take the medication with meals.
Inform the patient about the prevention of gingival hyperplasia.
Teach the patient to avoid the abrupt cessation of treatment.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale: Adjusting the dose based on symptoms is not appropriate for phenytoin. It should be taken consistently as prescribed.
Choice B rationale: While taking phenytoin with meals is a general recommendation, it is not the priority teaching point.
Choice C rationale: Informing the patient about the prevention of gingival hyperplasia is important but not the top priority.
Choice D rationale: Teaching the patient to avoid the abrupt cessation of treatment is crucial. Abruptly stopping phenytoin can lead to seizures, and patients should be advised to taper the medication under medical supervision.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Respiratory depression can occur and persist for hours after the removal of a fentanyl patch. It is crucial to monitor respiratory status closely and be aware of the potential delayed onset of respiratory depression.
Choice B rationale: Fentanyl, like any opioid, carries risks, and safety precautions should be observed. However, it is not completely without risks, especially in certain populations or situations.
Choice C rationale: Using a heating pad with a fentanyl patch is not recommended, as it can increase drug absorption and the risk of overdose.
Choice D rationale: Fentanyl patches have a delayed onset of action, and the patient will not experience immediate pain relief. It may take several hours for the full effect to be achieved after the application of the patch.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) devices provide a controlled dose of medication when the patient presses the button. However, the onset of action for morphine is typically faster than 10 minutes.
Choice B rationale: PCA devices often have a lock-out period to prevent patients from administering too many doses too quickly and risking overdose.
Choice C rationale: Patient-controlled analgesia is designed for the patient to self- administer the medication. Allowing family members to press the button may lead to inaccurate dosing.
Choice D rationale: Morphine should be administered as needed, not preemptively.
Administering the medication 10 minutes before physical therapy could result in excessive sedation.
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