A patient has been stabilized on phenytoin (Dilantin) for several years and has not experienced a grand mal seizure in more than 3 years. The patient decides to stop the drug because it no longer seems to be needed. In counseling, the nurse should include which points? 

a. The patient will always need this drug.

b. This drug needs to be slowly tapered to avoid potentially serious adverse effects. 

c. The patient is probably correct, and the drug is not needed. 

d. The drug should not be stopped until appropriate blood tests are done. 

e. Stopping the drug suddenly could precipitate seizures because the nerves will be more sensitive. 

f. The patient’s insurance company won’t cover any problems that might occur if the drug is stopped without physician approval.