A Patient Is to Begin Taking Phenytoin [Dilantin] for Seizures

question 8

Multiple Choice

A patient is to begin taking phenytoin [Dilantin] for seizures. The patient tells the nurse that she is taking oral contraceptives. What will the nurse tell the patient?

• A) She may need to increase her dose of phenytoin while taking oral contraceptives.
• B) She should consider a different form of birth control while taking phenytoin.
• C) She should remain on oral contraceptives, because phenytoin causes birth defects.
• D) She should stop taking oral contraceptives, because they reduce the effectiveness of phenytoin.

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Definitions:

Terminal Illness

A disease or condition that is incurable and expected to lead to the death of the patient within a relatively short period.

Elderly Patient

An individual of advanced age, often defined as someone 65 years or older, receiving medical care or treatment.

Verbal Communication

The use of spoken words to convey messages, thoughts, or information between individuals.

Pitch

A term often used in music and acoustics to describe the perceived frequency of a sound, affecting how high or low it sounds.