A child is diagnosed with epilepsy and is prescribed daily phenytoin (Dilantin). Which topic is most appropriate for the nurse to include in the discharge teaching?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Phenytoin can cause gingival hyperplasia and poor dental hygiene can exacerbate this condition. Therefore, it is important for the nurse to include information about performing good dental hygiene in the discharge teaching. While increasing fluid intake and taking the medication with milk may be important for some medications, it is not specifically relevant for phenytoin. Decreasing intake of vitamin D is not necessary unless the patient is experiencing toxicity, which is not a common side effect of phenytoin.

A Child Is Diagnosed with Epilepsy and Is Prescribed Daily