patient education on hydantoin

Question 1

what are hydantoins used for?

Answer 1

to treat seizures

Question 2

phenytoin is often used to help patients with what to long things?

Answer 2

long term treatment
last longers in the body

Question 3

since phenytoin last longer in the body what do we need to watch out for ?

Answer 3

toxicitity levels

Question 4

whats the therapetic range for phenyotin?

Answer 4

10-20
below 10 - seizure risk
over 20 - toxic risk ( hold med )

Question 5

since this is toxic, we need to monitor what organ?

Answer 5

liver

Question 6

what are early signs for toxicity? (3)

Answer 6

ataxia - unsteady gait or gait distubances

hand tremors

slurred speech

pheny cant talk or walk

Question 7

what are other side effects of phenytoin we must call the doctor (2)?

Answer 7

suicidial idealtions
new rash

Question 8

what are expected side effects of phenytoin, we dont stop the drugs even if this is happening (3)

Answer 8

bradycardia
hypotension
gingival hyperplasia ( big gums )

Question 9

phenytoin decreased the affectiveness of birth control, so we tell patients to what?

Answer 9

have more ways of birth control

Question 10

what are the 3 vitamins we tell patietns to take since pheyntoin decreases it?

Answer 10

folic acid
calcium
vitamin d

Question 11

encourage foods such as
milk, cantaloupe and kale
( foods high in folate and vitamin D )

Question 12

do you stop abruptly the medication?

Answer 12

NEVER!! taper off

Question 13

stop tube feedings ___hours before and after administration of phenyton?

Answer 13

1-2 hours
decrease absoprtion and effectiveness