Question

after mr. briggs recovers from the postictal state, the nurse provides phenytoin education. which statement indicates mr. briggs understands the phenytoin education? select all that apply. \i need to avoid drinking alcohol.\ \i will need to check in frequently with my health care provider to have my blood levels monitored.\ \i will try to improve my oral hygiene so my gums dont bleed.\ \i can take this medication whenever i have a seizure.\ \i am going to receive this medication via a shot in my muscle.\

Explanation:

1. For "I need to avoid drinking alcohol.": Alcohol can interact with phenytoin, affecting its efficacy or increasing side effects, so avoiding alcohol shows understanding.
2. For "I will need to check in frequently with my health care provider to have my blood levels monitored.": Phenytoin has a narrow therapeutic index, so regular blood level monitoring is necessary, indicating understanding.
3. For "I will try to improve my oral hygiene so my gums don’t bleed.": Phenytoin can cause gingival hyperplasia (gum overgrowth), so good oral hygiene to prevent bleeding shows understanding.
4. For "I can take this medication whenever I have a seizure.": Phenytoin is a maintenance antiepileptic, not for acute seizure treatment (rescue meds are different), so this is incorrect.
5. For "I am going to receive this medication via a shot in my muscle.": Phenytoin IM is not ideal (painful, erratic absorption), IV is preferred for acute, and oral for maintenance, so this is incorrect.

Answer:

A. "I need to avoid drinking alcohol."
B. "I will need to check in frequently with my health care provider to have my blood levels monitored."
C. "I will try to improve my oral hygiene so my gums don’t bleed."