A nurse is caring for an adolescent in the outpatient dermatologist's office.

Exhibits

Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options.

A nurse is providing education today on the newly-prescribed medication. The nurse recommends the adolescent notify the provider immediately if 

dropdown

or

dropdown

occurs during therapy.

• Dry skin and lips: This is a very common side effect of isotretinoin due to its drying effects on sebaceous glands. It is expected and manageable with regular moisturizing and is not considered an emergency.
• Increased appetite: Isotretinoin is not associated with increased appetite. Weight changes are not typical or concerning symptoms during therapy and do not warrant urgent provider notification.
• Depression: Isotretinoin has been associated with mood changes including depression, suicidal thoughts, and other psychiatric effects. These can emerge suddenly and must be reported immediately for prompt evaluation and intervention to ensure safety.
• Visual disturbances: Blurred vision or difficulty seeing, particularly at night, can indicate rare but serious complications such as increased intracranial pressure. Any change in vision during isotretinoin therapy requires immediate medical attention.
• Productive cough: This is not commonly linked with isotretinoin therapy. Unless respiratory symptoms worsen or are accompanied by fever or systemic signs, a productive cough alone is not a reason to stop treatment or alert the provider urgently.

A. Vital signs. The client has a significantly elevated heart rate (110/min) and elevated blood pressure (178/82 mm Hg), both of which can be associated with autonomic responses in dumping syndrome. The dizziness and desire to lie down after eating are also classic symptoms. These signs reflect the body’s reaction to rapid gastric emptying and fluid shifts.
B. Prescribed diet. While a bland, soft diet is generally safe post-gastrectomy, it may not prevent dumping syndrome unless it includes specific modifications like low carbohydrate intake and small, frequent meals. However, this option alone does not directly indicate dumping syndrome.
C. Skin appearance. The client is noted to be diaphoretic and pale, which are common symptoms of dumping syndrome due to the vasomotor response and hypoglycemia that can follow rapid gastric emptying.
D. Blood glucose level. The client's fasting blood glucose dropped to 65 mg/dL, which is below the normal range. Hypoglycemia is a hallmark of late dumping syndrome, resulting from excessive insulin release after rapid carbohydrate absorption in the small intestine.
E. WBC count. The WBC count is within normal range (9,000/mm³) and does not indicate dumping syndrome or an infectious process. It is not relevant in this context.