A nurse is reinforcing teaching a client who has a new prescription for phenytoin. The nurse should instruct the client to monitor and report which of the following adverse effects of this medication?
Diarrhea
Wrist pain
Skin rash
Metallic taste
The Correct Answer is C
A. Diarrhea:
Diarrhea is not a common side effect of phenytoin. While gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation may occur, diarrhea is less common. Therefore, it is not a primary adverse effect that the nurse should instruct the client to monitor and report.
B. Wrist pain:
Wrist pain is not a common side effect of phenytoin. Side effects related to musculoskeletal issues such as joint pain, muscle weakness, or muscle twitching can occur, but wrist pain specifically is not commonly associated with phenytoin use. Therefore, it is not a primary adverse effect that the nurse should instruct the client to monitor and report.
C. Skin rash:
Skin rash is a potential adverse effect of phenytoin that should be monitored and reported. Phenytoin can cause various skin reactions, including a mild rash or more severe reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client to promptly report any signs of skin rash or other skin changes.
D. Metallic taste:
Metallic taste is a common side effect of phenytoin. While it is not usually a serious adverse effect, it can be bothersome for some individuals. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client to monitor for this side effect and report it if it occurs persistently or becomes bothersome.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. B6 (Pyridoxine):
Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is known to reduce the therapeutic effects of levodopa. It competes with levodopa for absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and can decrease the amount of levodopa that reaches the brain, thereby diminishing its effectiveness in treating Parkinson's disease symptoms.
B. A (Retinol):
Vitamin A, also known as retinol, is not typically associated with reducing the therapeutic effects of levodopa. Vitamin A plays important roles in vision, immune function, and cellular communication, but it does not interact with levodopa in a way that affects its therapeutic efficacy.
C. E (Alpha-Tocopherol):
Vitamin E, also known as alpha-tocopherol, is an antioxidant that plays a role in protecting cells from oxidative damage. While vitamin E supplementation is sometimes used in Parkinson's disease management for its potential neuroprotective effects, it is not known to reduce the therapeutic effects of levodopa.
D. K (Phylloquinone):
Vitamin K, also known as phylloquinone, is primarily involved in blood clotting and bone metabolism. It does not interact with levodopa in a way that reduces its therapeutic effects.
E. C (Ascorbic Acid):
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is not known to reduce the therapeutic effects of levodopa. While vitamin C has various roles in the body, including antioxidant activity and immune function support, it does not interfere with levodopa absorption or efficacy.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Decreased pedal pulses:
Decreased pedal pulses are not typically associated with increased intracranial pressure. Instead, they may indicate peripheral vascular disease or reduced perfusion to the lower extremities. Monitoring peripheral pulses is important for assessing circulation but is not directly related to intracranial pressure changes.
B. Hypertension:
Hypertension can be a manifestation of increased intracranial pressure. The body may respond to elevated intracranial pressure by increasing blood pressure to maintain cerebral perfusion pressure. However, hypertension alone is not specific to increased ICP and can have various causes.
C. Peripheral edema:
Peripheral edema is not a typical manifestation of increased intracranial pressure. It may occur in conditions such as heart failure or renal dysfunction but is not directly related to intracranial pressure changes following a craniotomy.
D. Diarrhea:
Diarrhea is not a common manifestation of increased intracranial pressure. Increased ICP is more likely to manifest with symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, altered level of consciousness, and focal neurological deficits.

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