A patient has taken phenytoin (Dilantin) for 2 months. The patient is concerned about the different appearance of the capsules in the most recent prescription. The nurse verifies the label and dosage
What instructions should the nurse provide to the patient?
a. "Discard the medication and obtain a new prescription."
b. "The prescription is correct. The appearance may be different if a different pharmaceutical company produced the capsules, although the effectiveness would not be altered."
c. "You should consistently receive the same formulation to maintain a constant blood level."
d. "Take the medication back to the pharmacy where you got it filled and alert the pharmacist."
ANS: B
Phenytoin is available in four oral formulations, and the color and size of the capsules may vary.
The medication should not be discarded once the nurse verifies the label and dosage.
Constant blood levels are maintained by accurate dosing, not formulation.
Taking the medication back to the pharmacy is not necessary, because the nurse has verified that it is the correct medication.
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