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 A
Explanation
- A. The nurse should discourage raw fruits due to risk of infection.
- B. There is no standard recommendation against exposure to young children.
- C. Incorrect. The nurse should measure the client's temperature at least every 4 hr, or more frequently if indicated because fever is a sign of infection in a client who has neutropenia and requires prompt intervention.
- D. Incorrect. The nurse should use disposable gloves from a box inside the client's room, not outside, to prevent cross-contamination and protect the client from exposure to pathogens.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Have the client wear a surgical mask while being transported outside the room.
- A. Initiate contact precautions for the client upon admission. This is incorrect because contact precautions are not sufficient to prevent the spread of TB, which is an airborne disease that can travel through small droplets in the air.
- B. Restrict visitors from entering the client's room during hospitalization. This is incorrect because visitors can enter the client's room as long as they wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as an N95 respirator, gown, gloves, and eye protection.
- C. Wear a surgical mask while providing care for the client. This is incorrect because a surgical mask does not filter out small airborne particles that carry TB bacteria. The nurse should wear an N95 respirator or higher level of respiratory protection when caring for a client who has active TB.
- D. Have the client wear a surgical mask while being transported outside the room. This is correct because a surgical mask can reduce the amount of droplets that are expelled by the client when coughing or sneezing, thus minimizing the risk of infecting others in common areas or hallways.
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