Question

an adolescent is newly prescribed phenytoin. what information should the nurse provide in the teaching plan to the client and the parents

Answer 1

The SKILLED NURSE should :-

✓Explained that Dilantin is an anticonvulsant and is used to control seizures.

✓Instructed the patient / caregiver that the side effects of this medication includes headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia and nervousness, swelling of gums may also occur.

✓Instructed to call physician ( MD ) if patient experiences unusual eye movement, loss of coordination, slurred speech, confusion, blurred vision, or tingling of hands and feet.

✓Instructed the patient / caregiver that blood draws are usually done regularly to make sure that the medication in the body is within therapeutic level.

Other teaching points:-

✓Take this drug exactly as prescribed, with food to reduce GI upset, or without food—but maintain consistency in the manner in which you take it. Be especially careful not to miss a dose if you are on once-a-day therapy.

✓Do not discontinue this drug abruptly or change dosage, except on the advice of your health care provider.

✓Maintain good oral hygiene (regular brushing and flossing) to prevent gum disease; arrange frequent dental checkups to prevent serious gum disease.

✓Monitor your blood or urine sugar regularly, and report any abnormality to your health care provider if you have diabetes.

✓Wear a medical alert tag so that any emergency medical personnel will know that you have epilepsy and are taking antiepileptic medication.

✓You may experience these side effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, blurred vision (avoid driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness or visual acuity; alcohol may intensify these effects); GI upset (take drug with food, eat frequent small meals).

✓Report rash, severe nausea or vomiting, drowsiness, slurred speech, impaired coordination (ataxia), swollen glands, bleeding, swollen or tender gums, yellowish discoloration of the skin or eyes, joint pain, unexplained fever, sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, persistent headache, malaise, any indication of an infection or bleeding tendency, abnormal erection, pregnancy.