Question

PN 200 Fundamentals of Nursing II Grand Mal Seizures - Dilantin a 20-year-old woman, takes phenytoin 100 mg three times a day to control grand mal seizures. SS and her husband are considering starting a family 1. What action should the nurse take in regard to patient family planning, os complains of frequent "upset stomach" and "bleeding gums" when brushing her teeth. 2. To decrease GI distress, what can the nurse suggest? 3. To alleviate bleeding gums, what patient teaching may be included by the nurse? 4. The nurse checks SS's serum phenytoin level. What are the indications of an abnormal serum level? 5. What appropriate actions should be taken in the event of an abnormal phenytoin level? 6. State the therapeutic phenytoin blood level.

Answer 1

1. Family planning has to be formulated by the nurse for the patient, who are taking phenytoin. Nurse should educate about various types of family planning such as birth control pills, condemns and natural contraception like abstinence etc. Patient taking phenytoin to follow contraception to avoid birth defects.

2. To avoid GI distress, phenytoin has to be taken after food. Take adequate water.

3. To avoid bleeding gums, advice the patient to use soft brush, mouth washing.

4. Normal serum phenytoin level is 10 to 20. The level exceeds this normal range, indicates abnormality.