Question

A nurse is planning to teach a client who has epilepsy and a new prescription for phenytoin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse plan to include?

a) Take the medication on an empty stomach
b) Increase the dosage if symptoms worsen
c) Discontinue the medication if feeling better
d) Crush the tablets for quicker absorption

Answer 1

The nurse should instruct the client to take phenytoin on an empty stomach to ensure proper absorption and effectiveness.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should plan to include the following instructions for the client with epilepsy and a new prescription for phenytoin:

1. Take the medication on an empty stomach: Phenytoin should be taken on an empty stomach to ensure proper absorption and effectiveness.

Instructing the client to increase the dosage if symptoms worsen may lead to an overdose and adverse effects.

Discontinuing the medication if feeling better without consulting the healthcare provider can lead to a relapse of seizures.

Crushing the tablets for quicker absorption can alter the medication's release mechanism and lead to improper dosage.