Question

a nurse is caring for a client who is taking phenytoin for a seizure disorder and has a new prescription for sucralfate to treat a duodenal ulcer. the nurse should instruct the client to take the medications at least 2 hr apart for which of the following reasons? phenytoin increases the metabolism of sucralfate. phenytoin reduces the effectiveness of sucralfate. sucralfate increases the risk for phenytoin toxicity. sucralfate interferes with the absorption of phenytoin.

Explanation:

Sucralfate is a medication that forms a protective coating in the gastrointestinal tract. When taken with phenytoin, sucralfate binds to phenytoin in the gut, preventing the body from absorbing phenytoin properly. This reduced absorption can make phenytoin less effective at controlling seizures, so spacing the doses at least 2 hours apart avoids this interaction. The other options are incorrect: phenytoin does not affect sucralfate metabolism or effectiveness, and sucralfate does not increase phenytoin toxicity.

Answer:

D. Sucralfate interferes with the absorption of phenytoin.