A nurse is caring for a client who is taking valproic acid for seizure control. For which of the following adverse effects should the nurse monitor and report?
Weight loss
Jaundice
Bradycardia
Polyuria
The Correct Answer is B
Jaundice.
Rationale:
- A. Weight loss is not a common or serious adverse effect of valproic acid. Valproic acid can cause weight gain, not weight loss.
- B. Jaundice is a sign of liver damage, which is a serious and potentially fatal adverse effect of valproic acid. Valproic acid can impair fatty acid metabolism and mitochondrial function, leading to hepatotoxicity and steatosis. The nurse should monitor the client's liver function tests and report any signs of jaundice, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or clay-colored stools .
- C. Bradycardia is not a common or serious adverse effect of valproic acid. Valproic acid can cause cardiac arrhythmias, but they are usually tachycardic, not bradycardic.
- D. Polyuria is not a common or serious adverse effect of valproic acid. Valproic acid can cause hypernatremia and hypocalcemia, which can affect urine output, but polyuria is not a specific symptom of these electrolyte imbalances.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
- a. The last time the provider evaluated the client:This information helps the receiving nurse stay updated on the client's clinical status and recent provider recommendations.
- b. The client's most recent ventilator settings:The client's most recent ventilator settings (B) would no longer be relevant if the client has been successfully weaned off mechanical ventilation.
- c. The time of the client's last dose of pain medication:This helps manage the client's pain effectively and prevent potential withdrawal symptoms.
d. This information is not clinically relevant for the next nurse’s shift. While the frequency of call button use may reflect a client's needs or comfort level, it is not a priority for safe, evidence-based clinical care and does not impact the client’s medical treatment or condition.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A client who had blood drawn from the right antecubital area 1 hour ago does not require blood pressure measurement from the left arm. Blood drawing from one arm does not affect the accuracy of blood pressure measurement in the opposite arm.
Choice B rationale:
A client who has a right peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line should have blood pressure measured from the opposite arm to avoid disrupting the PICC line.
Choice C rationale:
A client who had dialysis and is using an arteriovenous shunt in the left lower forearm should have blood pressure measured from the opposite arm. Using the arm with an arteriovenous shunt for blood pressure measurement can lead to inaccurate readings and potentially damage the shunt, disrupting the client's dialysis treatment.
Choice D rationale:
A client who had a right hemisphere stroke does not necessarily require blood pressure measurement from the left arm. Stroke location does not impact the choice of the arm for blood pressure measurement; other factors, such as vascular access devices or medical procedures, are more relevant in this context.
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