Phenytoin
Tracking # 20-629519
Course overview
Phenytoin indications, clinical use and the potential for toxicity have been well reviewed in the literature. Phenytoin is often used in combination with other types of anticonvulsant medication and classes of medications, such as benzodiazepines, for varied clinical conditions. The drug is commonly regarded as an antiepileptic agent however it has been used for other conditions as well as a prophylactic agent in neurosurgical patients to avoid an epileptic condition. The research on phenytoin indication, use and potential adverse outcomes focuses on the necessary balance of clinical observation and indication, laboratory data trending serum drug levels, and pharmacological guidelines guiding drug combinations and cross titrations/tapers in certain epileptic conditions to achieve medical stability. No Test Required!
Subject areas
This course counts toward the state boards and subject areas below.
Arkansas State Board of Nursing
Certified Nurse Midwife
Certified Nurse Practitioner
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Licensed Practical Nurse
Licensed Psychiatric Technician Nurse
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse Practitioner
District of Columbia Board of Nursing
Certified Nurse Midwife
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Licensed Practical Nurse
Nurse Practitioner
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Florida Board of Nursing
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse
Registered Nurse
Georgia Board of Nursing
Licensed Practical Nurse
Registered Professional Nurse
New Mexico Board of Nursing
Certified Medication Aide II
Certified Nurse Practitioner
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Licensed Practical Nurse
Registered Nurse
South Carolina Board of Nursing
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse
Registered Nurse
West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse
Disclosure statements
Policy Statement
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the policies of NurseCe4Less.com and the continuing nursing education requirements of the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation for registered nurses.
Continuing Education Credit Designation
This educational activity is credited for 2.5 hours at completion of the activity. Pharmacology content is 2.5 hours.
Statement of Learning Need
Phenytoin use has multiple clinical indications that include both prophylaxis and treatment of an epileptic condition. While some clinicians tend to relate phenytoin use to epilepsy treatment, its important they are also aware of the clinical scenarios, drug dosing, possible combinations and switches, which could complicate treatment. The risks for possible adverse reactions and toxicity are not fully understood, and dosing adjustments are best managed by the interdisciplinary team, which may include neurology and pharmacy specialists, related to diagnosis, clinical outcomes, and dosing adjustments.
Course Purpose
To inform health clinicians of the indications, uses, contraindications, possible side effects and potential for toxicity with phenytoin use.
Target Audience
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, Registered Nurses, and other Interdisciplinary Health Team Members.
Disclosures
Dana Bartlett, RN, BSN, MSN, MA, CSPI, William Cook, PhD, Douglas Lawrence, MA, Kellie Wilson, PharmD, Susan DePasquale, MSN, FPMHNP-BC – all have no disclosures. There is no commercial support.