A female patient who takes phenytoin for epilepsy becomes pregnant. The nurse will notify the patient's provider and will anticipate that the provider will take which action?
a. Add valproic acid (Depakote) for improved seizure control.
b. Change the medication to phenobarbital (Luminal).
c. Closely monitor this patient's serum phenytoin levels.
d. Discontinue all anticonvulsant medications.
ANS: B
Phenytoin has serious teratogenic effects, so women who are pregnant should not take it. Phenobarbital is typically used because possible teratogenic effects are less pronounced. Teratogenicity increases with multiple anticonvulsants.
You might also like to view...
A nurse believes that all Americans should receive basic health care services. Which of the fol-lowing core functions supports this belief?
a. Assessment b. Assurance c. Policy development d. Advocacy
The client asks the nurse why the health care provider prescribed a metered-dose inhaler with a spacer. The nurse's best response would be:
a. "This method decreases the adverse effects of the medication." b. "This is the method of choice for all inhaler medications." c. "This is the preferred method of your health care provider." d. "This is a good question to ask your health care provider on your next visit."
The nurse suspects that a pregnant patient might be experiencing abuse when the patient: Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply
1. Denies that any injuries occurred, even though bruising is visible. 2. Gives an implausible explanation for any injuries. 3. Makes eye contact with the nurse while answering questions. 4. Allows her partner to answer the nurse's questions. 5. Frequently calls to change appointment times.
Mentally confused patients cannot accurately describe their pain.
Answer the following statement true (T) or false (F)