💊 TYPE 2 — DRUG-CLASS / TREATMENT CARDS

What are antacids?

JOB: Neutralize acid that is ALREADY in the stomach. They do not stop acid production. USED FOR: Hyperacidity/heartburn. TEACHING: Separate many other medications from antacids by about 1–2 hours because antacids can interfere with drug absorption. LIFE SCENARIO: An antacid is like pouring something on a spill to neutralize it; it doesn't turn off the faucet producing more acid. PATIENT EXAMPLE: Patient takes an antacid with all morning medications. Teaching is needed because absorption may be affected. NCLEX CLUE: ANTACID = NEUTRALIZES existing acid.

What should I remember about aluminum-containing antacids?

JOB: Neutralize stomach acid. BIG SIDE EFFECT: CONSTIPATION. LIFE SCENARIO: Think “Aluminum AIN'T MOVING.” PATIENT EXAMPLE: Patient starts an aluminum antacid and says, “I haven't pooped in three days.” That fits the medication. NCLEX CLUE: ALUMINUM = CONSTIPATION.

What should I remember about magnesium-containing antacids?

JOB: Neutralize stomach acid. BIG SIDE EFFECT: DIARRHEA. CAUTION: Renal failure because magnesium may accumulate. LIFE SCENARIO: Think “Magnesium MAKES ME GO.” PATIENT EXAMPLE: Patient begins a magnesium antacid and develops loose stools. Expected association. NCLEX CLUE: MAGNESIUM = DIARRHEA.

Why are magnesium antacids concerning in renal failure?

SIMPLE: The kidneys help remove magnesium. Poor kidney function can allow magnesium to accumulate. LIFE SCENARIO: Think of the kidneys as the body's magnesium trash collectors. If the collectors stop working, the trash piles up. PATIENT EXAMPLE: A patient with renal failure requests a magnesium-containing antacid. The nurse should recognize the concern. NCLEX CLUE: BAD KIDNEYS + MAGNESIUM = CAUTION.

What should I remember about calcium-containing antacids?

JOB: Neutralize acid. WATCH: Kidney stones and rebound hyperacidity. CAUTION: Renal disease. LIFE SCENARIO: A patient overuses a calcium antacid and develops problems related to excess calcium. NCLEX CLUE: CALCIUM ANTACID = KIDNEY STONE/REBOUND ACID concerns.

What can happen with excessive sodium bicarbonate antacid use?

DANGER: METABOLIC ALKALOSIS. SEE IN CHAPTER: Muscle twitching, nausea, vomiting, headache, confusion. LIFE SCENARIO: A patient keeps taking baking-soda-type antacid doses all day and becomes too alkaline. NCLEX CLUE: Sodium bicarbonate overuse = ALKALOSIS.

What are H2 receptor antagonists?

JOB: Reduce gastric acid by blocking histamine H2 receptors. ANCHORS IN MATERIAL: Cimetidine and famotidine. WATCH: Cimetidine can cause confusion/disorientation in older adults. LIFE SCENARIO: Instead of neutralizing acid already made, H2 blockers tell the stomach, “Make LESS acid.” PATIENT EXAMPLE: An older adult begins cimetidine and becomes confused. Consider the medication. NCLEX CLUE: H2 blocker = ↓ ACID.

What is an important cimetidine clue in older adults?

WATCH: Confusion and disorientation. LIFE SCENARIO: Grandpa was mentally clear yesterday. After starting cimetidine, he's suddenly confused. Don't automatically assume dementia. Check the medication. NCLEX CLUE: CIMETIDINE + OLDER ADULT + CONFUSION.

What are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)?

JOB: Strongly inhibit gastric acid production. RECOGNIZE: -prazole. ANCHOR: Omeprazole. USED FOR: GERD, peptic ulcers, acid-related conditions. MOA SIMPLE: Blocks the stomach's acid pump. LIFE SCENARIO: A PPI shuts down acid faucets in the stomach. PATIENT EXAMPLE: Maria has GERD with frequent acid burning. Omeprazole reduces her acid production. NCLEX CLUE: -PRAZOLE = PPI = ↓↓↓ ACID.

What should I remember about omeprazole (Prilosec)?

CLASS: PPI. JOB: Decreases gastric acid production. TEACHING FROM CHAPTER: Take before meals and swallow the capsule whole. WATCH LONG TERM: Osteoporosis/bone mineral loss. LIFE SCENARIO: Patient with daily GERD takes omeprazole instead of simply neutralizing acid afterward. NCLEX CLUE: OMEPRAZOLE = PPI.

What is simethicone used for?

JOB: Relieves painful gas by breaking up mucus-coated gas bubbles. LIFE SCENARIO: One giant uncomfortable bubble breaks into tiny bubbles. PATIENT EXAMPLE: Patient complains of excessive painful gas. Simethicone fits the problem. NCLEX CLUE: GAS = SIMETHICONE.

How is an H. pylori peptic ulcer treated pharmacologically in these chapters?

GOAL: Kill H. pylori AND decrease stomach acid. CONNECTION: PPI such as omeprazole plus antibiotic therapy. LIFE SCENARIO: Antibiotics kill the bacteria while the PPI gives the stomach a break from acid. NCLEX CLUE: H. PYLORI = ANTIBIOTICS + ACID SUPPRESSION.

What are bulk-forming laxatives?

JOB: Absorb water and increase stool bulk to promote a normal bowel movement. ANCHOR: Psyllium. TEACHING: Take with plenty of water, including a full 8-oz glass. DANGER WITHOUT WATER: Esophageal obstruction/fecal impaction. LIFE SCENARIO: Psyllium is like a dry sponge that expands with water. PATIENT EXAMPLE: Patient takes psyllium dry and barely drinks anything. That's unsafe. NCLEX CLUE: BULK-FORMING = WATER WATER WATER.

What are stimulant laxatives?

JOB: Stimulate bowel activity. ANCHOR: Senna. WATCH LONG TERM: Decreased bowel tone and dependency. LIFE SCENARIO: Someone pushing you out of bed every morning eventually leads to dependency. PATIENT EXAMPLE: Patient says, “I take stimulant laxatives every day so my bowels will work.” Teaching is needed. NCLEX CLUE: STIMULANT + DAILY LONG TERM = DEPENDENCY.

What are stool softeners?

JOB: Soften stool and make it easier to pass. ANCHOR: Docusate sodium. IMPORTANT: They soften; they do not directly force defecation. LIFE SCENARIO: Adding moisture to a hard piece of clay allows it to pass more easily. PATIENT EXAMPLE: Patient needs to avoid straining. Docusate helps keep stool softer. NCLEX CLUE: DOCUSATE = SOFTENS.

What is magnesium hydroxide used for as a laxative?

CLASS: Saline laxative. JOB: Produces watery stool relatively quickly. ONSET IN CHAPTER: About 3–6 hours. LIFE SCENARIO: Patient is severely constipated and needs rapid relief. NCLEX CLUE: Magnesium hydroxide = SALINE LAXATIVE.

What is polyethylene glycol 3350 used for?

JOB: Potent laxative capable of total bowel cleansing. USED FOR: Bowel preparation before diagnostic/surgical procedures. LIFE SCENARIO: Patient needs the colon cleaned out before a bowel procedure. NCLEX CLUE: BOWEL PREP = POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL.

What is dangerous about mineral oil?

CLASS: Lubricant laxative. DANGER: Aspiration can cause LIPID PNEUMONIA. ALSO: Can reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K. LIFE SCENARIO: Oil accidentally enters the lungs instead of the stomach, irritating lung tissue. NCLEX CLUE: MINERAL OIL + ASPIRATION = LIPID PNEUMONIA.

When should the nurse question laxative use?

DANGER SITUATIONS: Undiagnosed abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting suggesting appendicitis, acute surgical abdomen, bowel obstruction, or fecal impaction. LIFE SCENARIO: Patient presents with severe unexplained abdominal pain and asks for a laxative. Assess first before administering.

What are anticholinergic antidiarrheals?

JOB: Slow intestinal movement by decreasing smooth-muscle tone and rhythmic contractions. LIFE SCENARIO: Diarrhea is like speeding traffic; anticholinergics slow it down. NCLEX CLUE: ANTICHOLINERGIC = SLOW GUT.

Why can probiotics be used after antibiotic-associated diarrhea?

JOB: Help replenish normal intestinal bacteria. LIFE SCENARIO: Antibiotics can kill beneficial bacteria; probiotics help replace them. PATIENT EXAMPLE: Patient has persistent diarrhea after antibiotic therapy. Probiotics may be used. NCLEX CLUE: ANTIBIOTICS → LOST NORMAL FLORA → PROBIOTICS.

What is bismuth subsalicylate?

CLASS: Adsorbent antidiarrheal. USED FOR: Diarrhea and H. pylori therapy. EXPECTED: Dark stools/blue gums may occur. INTERACTION: Can increase bleeding risk with warfarin. LIFE SCENARIO: Patient taking bismuth panics because stool turns dark; this can be medication-related. NCLEX CLUE: BISMUTH = DARK STOOL.

What is loperamide (Imodium)?

CLASS: Antidiarrheal. JOB: Helps control diarrhea. The chapter notes opiate-like characteristics but states physical dependence has not been reported. LIFE SCENARIO: Patient has frequent diarrhea needing slowed bowel activity. NCLEX CLUE: IMODIUM = DIARRHEA.

Why is lactulose given to some patients with severe liver disease?

JOB: Lowers blood ammonia by converting ammonia to ammonium that becomes trapped in the intestine. LIFE SCENARIO: Lactulose traps ammonia so the body can remove it. PATIENT EXAMPLE: An elevated ammonia level prompts lactulose administration. NCLEX CLUE: LIVER + HIGH AMMONIA = LACTULOSE.

What is linaclotide (Linzess)?

USED FOR: IBS. WATCH: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, flatulence. LIFE SCENARIO: Patient starts Linzess and reports diarrhea and discomfort. Recognize these as known adverse effects. NCLEX CLUE: LINZESS = IBS.

What is methylnaltrexone used for?

USED FOR: Opioid-induced constipation in terminally ill/hospice patients. LIFE SCENARIO: A hospice patient needs morphine but develops severe constipation from the opioid. Methylnaltrexone addresses this problem. NCLEX CLUE: HOSPICE + OPIOID + CONSTIPATION = METHYLNALTREXONE.

What is the major danger with alosetron?

USED FOR: Severe IBS. DANGER: Constipation or ischemic colitis symptoms require stopping the medication and evaluation. LIFE SCENARIO: Patient taking alosetron says, “I suddenly can't have a bowel movement.” Don't recommend more fiber—this medication has a serious warning. NCLEX CLUE: ALOSETRON + CONSTIPATION = STOP/EVALUATE.

What are prokinetic antiemetics?

JOB: Increase GI motility and promote gastric emptying. ANCHOR: Metoclopramide (Reglan). LIFE SCENARIO: The stomach works like a slow conveyor belt; metoclopramide speeds it up. PATIENT EXAMPLE: Patient needs improved gastric emptying. NCLEX CLUE: REGLAN = MOVE the stomach.

What are serotonin-blocker antiemetics?

JOB: Prevent nausea and vomiting. ANCHOR: Ondansetron. USED FOR: Chemotherapy-induced and postoperative N/V. WATCH IN CHAPTER: Diarrhea. LIFE SCENARIO: Patient is about to receive chemotherapy. Ondansetron is given BEFORE symptoms begin. NCLEX CLUE: CHEMO N/V = ONDANSETRON.

When should an antiemetic be given before highly emetogenic chemotherapy?

TIMING: BEFORE nausea begins, commonly 30–60 minutes before chemotherapy. LIFE SCENARIO: It's easier to stop a fire before it starts than after it's burning. PATIENT EXAMPLE: Chemo begins at 10 AM. The antiemetic should be working beforehand. NCLEX CLUE: PREVENT N/V BEFORE CHEMO.

What are antihistamine antiemetics?

JOB: Help control nausea/vertigo/motion-related symptoms depending on the drug. WATCH: CNS depression/drowsiness. TEACHING: Avoid driving, heavy machinery, alcohol and other CNS depressants. LIFE SCENARIO: Patient takes the medicine and wants to drive; that's unsafe. NCLEX CLUE: ANTIHISTAMINE = DROWSY.

What is scopolamine?

CLASS: Anticholinergic antiemetic. USED FOR: Motion sickness. FORM: Transdermal patch. CHANGE: Every 3 days/72 hours in this chapter. LIFE SCENARIO: Someone sick on a cruise benefits from a scopolamine patch. NCLEX CLUE: MOTION SICKNESS PATCH = SCOPOLAMINE.

What is dronabinol used for?

CLASS: Tetrahydrocannabinoid antiemetic. USED FOR: Chemotherapy-related N/V when therapy fails and appetite/weight stimulation in AIDS or chemotherapy patients. LIFE SCENARIO: A cancer patient is nauseated and has no appetite. Dronabinol may help. NCLEX CLUE: N/V + APPETITE stimulation = DRONABINOL.

Why should an IV hydroxyzine order be questioned according to this chapter?

DANGER: Hydroxyzine should not be given IV, intra-arterially, or subcutaneously; serious tissue injury, thrombosis, and gangrene may occur. LIFE SCENARIO: The medication could damage vessels so severely they lose circulation. PATIENT EXAMPLE: You see “hydroxyzine IV” on the MAR. STOP and question the order. NCLEX CLUE: HYDROXYZINE IV = 🚨 NO.

What should I remember about vitamin A?

JOB: Important for vision and normal tissues. DEFICIENCY CLUE: Night blindness. LIFE SCENARIO: Patient says, “I can see okay during the day, but at night I can barely see.” Think vitamin A deficiency. NCLEX CLUE: NIGHT BLINDNESS = VITAMIN A.

What should I remember about vitamin D?

JOB: Important for bone health. DEFICIENCY: Rickets, tetany, osteomalacia. TOXICITY: Weakness, fatigue, headache, anorexia, N/V, and renal problems. LIFE SCENARIO: Think Vitamin D = “D for bones.” PATIENT EXAMPLE: Child develops rickets. Think vitamin D deficiency. NCLEX CLUE: RICKETS/OSTEOMALACIA = VITAMIN D.

What should I remember about vitamin K?

JOB: Important for blood clotting. NEWBORNS: Given to prevent deficiency. ANTIDOTE CONNECTION: Reverses warfarin effects. LIFE SCENARIO: Warfarin makes clotting harder; vitamin K helps. PATIENT EXAMPLE: Patient has excessive warfarin effect. Think vitamin K. NCLEX CLUE: WARFARIN = VITAMIN K antidote.

What should I remember about thiamine (vitamin B1)?

JOB: Vitamin replacement. HIGH-YIELD USE: Prevention/treatment of thiamine deficiency including Wernicke encephalopathy. LIFE SCENARIO: Severely malnourished patients with long-term alcohol misuse may have low thiamine stores. PATIENT EXAMPLE: Alcohol misuse + malnutrition = think THIAMINE. NCLEX CLUE: WERNICKE = B1.

What should I remember about niacin (vitamin B3)?

USED FOR: Hyperlipidemia and pellagra. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Liver disease, severe hypotension, arterial hemorrhage, active peptic ulcer disease. LIFE SCENARIO: A patient with liver disease is prescribed niacin. This should alert you. NCLEX CLUE: NIACIN + LIVER DISEASE = PROBLEM.

What should I remember about vitamin C?

JOB: Helps maintain bone, teeth, capillaries, collagen/connective tissue, and tissue repair. DEFICIENCY: Scurvy. TOO MUCH: N/V, headache, abdominal cramps, urine acidification/kidney stones. LIFE SCENARIO: Vitamin C helps hold tissues together and repair them. PATIENT EXAMPLE: Patient develops scurvy. Think vitamin C deficiency. NCLEX CLUE: SCURVY = VITAMIN C.

What should I remember about calcium supplements?

JOB: Calcium replacement/support. INTERACTION: Calcium binds tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics. TOO MUCH: Hypercalcemia can cause anorexia, N/V, constipation, cardiac irregularities, and severe neurologic effects. LIFE SCENARIO: Calcium and certain antibiotics interact. NCLEX CLUE: CALCIUM + certain ANTIBIOTICS = INTERACTION.

What are signs of IV magnesium toxicity?

DANGER: Loss of tendon reflexes, CNS depression, respiratory distress, and heart block. LIFE SCENARIO: As magnesium increases, body systems slow down. PATIENT EXAMPLE: Patient receiving IV magnesium loses reflexes and develops respiratory depression. 🚨 Think TOXICITY. NCLEX CLUE: MAGNESIUM TOXICITY = NO REFLEXES + RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION.

Why is zinc important?

JOB: Important for tissue growth and repair. USE: Supports wound healing. LIFE SCENARIO: Think of zinc as part of the body's construction crew. PATIENT EXAMPLE: Patient has a wound needing healing and nutrition is evaluated. Zinc matters. NCLEX CLUE: ZINC = WOUND HEALING.

What are iron supplements?

JOB: Replace iron when anemia is caused by iron deficiency so the body can make healthy red blood cells. ANCHOR: Ferrous sulfate. THERAPEUTIC RESPONSE: Less fatigue and improved activity tolerance. LIFE SCENARIO: Iron is building material for red blood cells. PATIENT EXAMPLE: Iron-deficient patient is exhausted. After iron therapy, activity tolerance improves. NCLEX CLUE: IRON DEFICIENCY = IRON REPLACEMENT.

What should I teach about oral iron?

TEACHING: Taking with meals can reduce GI distress. Orange juice/vitamin C improves absorption. Milk and antacids decrease absorption. EXPECTED: Stool may become black/tarry. Tablets should be taken whole. LIFE SCENARIO: Orange juice enhances iron absorption; milk and antacids block it. PATIENT EXAMPLE: Patient takes ferrous sulfate with milk every morning. Teaching needed. NCLEX CLUE: IRON + ORANGE JUICE = GOOD; MILK/ANTACID = BAD.

How should liquid oral iron be taken?

TEACHING: Use a plastic straw to avoid tooth-enamel discoloration. LIFE SCENARIO: Think of the straw as a tunnel for the iron. PATIENT EXAMPLE: Parent gives liquid iron directly over the child's teeth. Teach using a straw. NCLEX CLUE: LIQUID IRON = STRAW.

What should I remember about iron dextran?

CLASS: Injectable iron. IM: Deep IM using Z-track. IV SAFETY: Test dose and wait at least 1 hour before the remaining initial dose because of anaphylaxis risk. LIFE SCENARIO: The test dose checks for adverse reactions. PATIENT EXAMPLE: First IV iron dextran dose is ordered. Don't immediately infuse the entire dose. NCLEX CLUE: IRON DEXTRAN = TEST DOSE + ANAPHYLAXIS.

What should I remember about iron sucrose (Venofer)?

CLASS: Injectable iron. USED FOR: Iron-deficiency anemia including patients with chronic renal disease. WATCH: Hypotension during infusion. This chapter describes lower anaphylaxis risk than iron dextran and no test dose requirement. LIFE SCENARIO: During the infusion, the patient's BP drops. Connect this to the medication. NCLEX CLUE: IRON SUCROSE = WATCH BP.

Does every patient with anemia need iron?

NO. Iron is only indicated when anemia is due to iron deficiency. It's contraindicated in conditions like hemolytic anemia. LIFE SCENARIO: “Anemia” isn't a universal indicator for iron; you need to know the cause. NCLEX CLUE: ANEMIA ≠ AUTOMATIC IRON.

What should I remember about folic acid?

JOB: Treat folate deficiency when appropriate. PREGNANCY: Adequate folic acid before pregnancy reduces neural-tube-defect risk. DANGER: Determine the anemia type first because folic acid may mask other issues. LIFE SCENARIO: Folic acid can influence blood test results, obscuring other deficiencies. NCLEX CLUE: FIND CAUSE OF ANEMIA FIRST.

What is cyanocobalamin?

CYANOCOBALAMIN = VITAMIN B12. CONNECTION: Pernicious anemia involves B12 deficiency. LIFE SCENARIO: Remember “B12 builds blood and supports nerves.” PATIENT EXAMPLE: Patient has pernicious anemia. Don't assume folic acid is sufficient—B12 is important. NCLEX CLUE: PERNICIOUS ANEMIA = B12.

What is epoetin alfa (Epogen)?

JOB: Stimulates red blood cell production. USED FOR: Severe anemia, including anemia associated with end-stage renal failure. WATCH: Hypertension and hemoglobin levels. LIFE SCENARIO: Think of epoetin telling the body to make more RBCs. PATIENT EXAMPLE: Kidney-failure patient has severe anemia. Epoetin may stimulate RBC production. NCLEX CLUE: EPO = RBC FACTORY ON.

What is a major adverse effect of epoetin alfa?

WATCH: HYPERTENSION. Also monitor hemoglobin levels because high levels increase risk of serious events. LIFE SCENARIO: We're pushing the body to produce more RBCs, but don't let it go too far. PATIENT EXAMPLE: Patient receiving epoetin develops high BP or hemoglobin exceeds safe limits; take action. NCLEX CLUE: EPOETIN = WATCH BP + HGB.

How is darbepoetin (Aranesp) different from epoetin alfa (Epogen)?

DARBEPOETIN is longer acting, requiring fewer injections. LIFE SCENARIO: Epogen is like a short-lasting battery; Aranesp lasts longer. NCLEX CLUE: ARANESP = LONGER ACTING.

What is enteral nutrition?

SIMPLE: Nutrition given through the GI tract, including feeding tubes. COMMON ADVERSE EFFECT: Diarrhea from GI intolerance. LIFE SCENARIO: The stomach/intestines are used, with food entering through a tube. PATIENT EXAMPLE: Patient starts tube feeding and develops diarrhea. NCLEX CLUE: ENTERAL = USE THE GUT.

What is a polymeric enteral formula?

JOB: Provides complex nutrients including protein, carbohydrates, and fat. EXAMPLE: Ensure Plus. LIFE SCENARIO: Think of polymeric formula as a complete meal with major nutrients. NCLEX CLUE: COMPLEX nutrients = POLYMERIC.

What is an elemental enteral formula?

JOB: Provides nutrients requiring minimal digestion. USED FOR: Pancreatitis, partial bowel obstruction, irritable bowel disease, and similar GI problems. LIFE SCENARIO: Give easily digestible food for those struggling with digestion. PATIENT EXAMPLE: Patient with partial bowel obstruction needs short-term enteral nutrition. NCLEX CLUE: MINIMAL DIGESTION = ELEMENTAL.

Which enteral formula does Chapter 55 associate with diabetes?

GLUCERNA. USED FOR: Impaired glucose tolerance, such as diabetes. LIFE SCENARIO: A diabetic patient requires tube feeding with glucose control in mind. NCLEX CLUE: DIABETES + TUBE FEED = GLUCERNA.

What is peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN)?

SIMPLE: Nutrition delivered through a peripheral vein. USE: Short-term nutrition, like anorexia related to cancer treatment. WATCH LONG TERM: Phlebitis. LIFE SCENARIO: Nutrition through a small IV may irritate the vein over time. NCLEX CLUE: PPN LONG TERM = PHLEBITIS.

What is total parenteral nutrition (TPN)?

SIMPLE: Nutrition delivered intravenously instead of through the GI tract. Central TPN is used for long-term therapy. WATCH: Infection, fluid overload, glucose issues. LIFE SCENARIO: Requires careful monitoring since it's concentrated nutrition delivered IV. NCLEX CLUE: PARENTERAL = BYPASS THE GUT.

Why can't TPN be stopped abruptly?

DANGER: REBOUND HYPOGLYCEMIA. DO: If nutrition unexpectedly stops, use 5%–10% glucose while awaiting the replacement bag. LIFE SCENARIO: Stopping the steady sugar delivery can crash blood glucose. PATIENT EXAMPLE: TPN bag runs empty and pharmacy needs hours for the new bag. Don't just disconnect. NCLEX CLUE: TPN STOPS = HYPOGLYCEMIA.

What are signs of fluid overload during TPN?

SEE: Hypertension, tachycardia, weak pulse, confusion, decreased urine output, pitting edema. LIFE SCENARIO: Too much fluid too quickly can back up into tissues. PATIENT EXAMPLE: TPN patient develops high BP, rapid heart rate, ankle edema, and confusion; think FLUID OVERLOAD. NCLEX CLUE: TPN + HIGH BP + EDEMA + TACHYCARDIA = OVERLOAD.

What should I remember about infection prevention with parenteral nutrition?

DO: Change tubing with each new bag, use a 1.2-micron filter, monitor temperature, report over 100°F. LIFE SCENARIO: TPN contains nutrients that can support microbial growth, posing an infection risk directly into the bloodstream. PATIENT EXAMPLE: TPN patient develops a temperature over 100°F; report this. NCLEX CLUE: TPN = BIG INFECTION WATCH.

What happens when phenytoin is given with tube feeding?

PROBLEM: Tube feeding can reduce phenytoin absorption, potentially increasing seizure risk. DO: Hold tube feeding for at least 2 hours before and after phenytoin administration. LIFE SCENARIO: Tube feeding may block phenytoin from entering the bloodstream. PATIENT EXAMPLE: Patient receiving continuous tube feeding and phenytoin must be managed carefully. NCLEX CLUE: PHENYTOIN + TUBE FEED = SEPARATE.