The nurse provides teaching for a patient who will begin taking phenytoin. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching?
a. "If I develop a rash, I should take diphenhydramine to control the itching."
b. "If I experience bleeding gums, I should stop taking the medication immediately."
c. "I may develop diabetes while I am taking this medication."
d. "I should not be alarmed if my urine turns reddish-brown."
ANS: D
Phenytoin will cause reddish-brown colored urine. Patients should be counseled to report a rash to the provider because it could be a serious adverse reaction. Bleeding gums are common, but patients should never stop taking anticonvulsants abruptly, or they may develop seizures. Changes in blood glucose may occur but do not necessarily result in diabetes.
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