Author Question: A 25 year-old female patient will begin taking phenytoin for epilepsy. The patient tells the nurse ... (Read 216 times)

JMatthes · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A 25 year-old female patient will begin taking phenytoin for epilepsy. The patient tells the nurse she is taking oral contraceptives (OCPs). Which response will the nurse give?

a. Continue taking OCPs because phenytoin is not safe during pregnancy.
b. You should use a backup method of contraception along with OCPs.
c. You should stop taking OCPs because of drug-drug interactions with phenytoin.
d. You should take low-dose aspirin while taking these medications to reduce your risk of stroke.

Question 2

An intubated child is brought to the emergency department while having a seizure that has been progressing for 20 minutes. Which drug will the nurse anticipate administering to this patient?

a. Diazepam (Valium)
b. Phenobarbital (Luminal)
c. Phenytoin (Dilantin)
d. Valproic acid (Depakote)

flannelavenger · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Female patients who take oral contraceptives and anticonvulsants should be advised to use a backup method of contraception because of reduced effectiveness of OCPs. Patients should be cautioned to consult with a provider if considering pregnancy because of the teratogenic effects of anticonvulsants. Patients should not stop taking OCPs and do not need to take precautions against stroke.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Diazepam is given to patients in status epilepticus and is administered IV. The other anticonvulsant medications do not have a rapid onset and are not used for emergencies.