J.G.'s husband asks whether the Dilantin could harm his wife in any way. What general
information would you review with them about Dilantin?
What will be an ideal response?
• Explain that some drugs might cause blood, liver, or kidney problems. Instruct J.G. to observe and
report easy bruising, petechiae, jaundice, dark urine, burning on urination, and abdominal pain.
• Emphasize that administration of phenytoin and any nutrition supplement must be separated by 2
hours.
• Stress that it is very important for J.G. to wear a medical alert bracelet or carry identification that
specifies her seizure disorder.
• Inform them that the drug might exacerbate J.G.'s level of fatigue and postpartum depression.
• Family planning should be considered; conceiving any more children should be carefully planned
in consultation with J.G.'s physician.
• Because phenytoin is known for causing gingival hyperplasia, advise J.G. to perform frequent oral
hygiene with gum massage and gentle flossing and to brush the teeth three or four times daily
with a soft toothbrush. Stress the importance of regular dental visits.
• Stress the importance of getting blood work as ordered.
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A 72-year-old man who is unable to sleep since admission into the hospital is given a hypnotic medication at 9 PM. The nurse finds the patient drowsy and confused at 10 AM the next day. The nurse is aware that this behavior is most likely due to
A) decreased hepatic function. B) a toxic effect. C) an allergic reaction. D) increased renal function.
Which blood component forms the initial plug that helps stop bleeding?
a. Fibrin b. Platelets c. Neutrophils d. Eosinophils
The patient with blood type O Rh-negative has given birth to an infant with blood type O Rh-positive. The infant has become visibly jaundiced at 12 hours of age. The mother asks why this is happening. The best response by the nurse is:
1. "The RhoGAM you received at 28 weeks' gestation did not prevent alloimmunization." 2. "Your body has made antibodies against the baby's blood that are destroying her red blood cells." 3. "The red blood cells of your baby are breaking down because you both have type O blood." 4. "Your baby's liver is too immature to eliminate the red blood cells that are no longer needed."
The nurse is caring for a patient who has unexplained, recurrent vomiting and who is unable to keep anything down. Until the cause of the vomiting is determined, the nurse will anticipate administering which medications?
a. Antibiotics and antiemetics b. Intravenous fluids and electrolytes c. Non-prescription antiemetics d. Prescription antiemetics