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)