You previously cared for a 38-year-old woman who has a history of seizures after a traumatic emergency cesarean section. Today, you are working in the neurology clinic, and the patient comes in for a routine follow-up appointment. The patient says that because she has not had a seizure since she was in the hospital, she questions how long she will have to continue taking the phenytoin. Which is your best response?
This medication can be stopped after you are seizure-free for a 6-month period.
Only take the medication when you are under stress because that's when you are most likely to have a seizure.
This medication might need to be continued for the rest of your life.
Your seizures are cured only as long as you take the medication.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Stopping seizure medication such as phenytoin without medical advice can lead to life-threatening seizures. It is not recommended to stop after a set period of being seizure-free without consulting a healthcare provider.
Choice B reason: Phenytoin should not be taken only during periods of stress; it is intended to be used consistently to maintain therapeutic levels in the body.
Choice C reason: Phenytoin may need to be continued indefinitely, depending on the individual's condition and the doctor's recommendation. It is often used as a long-term treatment for seizure control.
Choice D reason: This statement is misleading; while phenytoin helps control seizures, it does not cure the underlying condition causing them.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Muscle dysfunction can be a consequence of COPD due to decreased activity levels, but it is not a risk factor for developing COPD.
Choice B reason: Poor nutrition can affect the overall health of individuals with COPD but is not a direct risk factor for developing the disease.
Choice C reason: Weight loss can occur in advanced stages of COPD due to increased energy expenditure from breathing difficulties, but it is not a risk factor for developing COPD.
Choice D reason: Increased risk for pneumonia is a direct risk associated with COPD, as the disease can compromise the respiratory system's ability to clear infections.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: While it is useful to know the patient's current pain management strategies, new onset severe back pain could indicate a serious complication such as a spinal fracture or compression, which requires immediate attention.
Choice B reason: Reassuring the patient is not appropriate without further assessment, as new onset severe pain could signify a serious issue that needs to be addressed.
Choice C reason: Suggesting a back brace may be part of the management plan, but it should not precede notifying the healthcare provider of new severe pain.
Choice D reason: Notifying the healthcare provider is the correct action because new onset severe back pain in a patient with multiple myeloma could indicate a serious condition such as a spinal fracture or compression, which requires prompt evaluation and treatment.
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