A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a female client who is taking phenytoin. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
"You should expect to have blood work every 6 months while taking this medication."
*You can safely take this medication if you become pregnant."
"You might experience swollen gums while taking this medication."
"You can skip a dose of this medication if you are nauseated."
The Correct Answer is C
A) "You should expect to have blood work every 6 months while taking this medication.": While it is important for clients on phenytoin to have regular blood work, especially to monitor drug levels and assess for potential side effects (e.g., liver function, complete blood count), the frequency of blood work is typically more frequent than every 6 months. Blood work is often performed at least every 3-6 months, or more frequently if there are concerns about phenytoin levels or side effects. Therefore, this statement is not accurate.
B) "You can safely take this medication if you become pregnant.": Phenytoin is classified as a Category D medication in pregnancy, meaning it has been shown to cause potential harm to the fetus. It is not considered safe during pregnancy, and women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should discuss alternative medications with their healthcare provider.
C) "You might experience swollen gums while taking this medication.": Gingival hyperplasia (swelling of the gums) is a common side effect of phenytoin. Clients taking this medication should be aware of this potential side effect and should be instructed on proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups to help minimize this risk. This statement is accurate and should be included in the teaching.
D) "You can skip a dose of this medication if you are nauseated.": It is important not to skip doses of phenytoin, as maintaining therapeutic levels of the drug is crucial for its effectiveness in preventing seizures. If a client experiences nausea or difficulty taking the medication, they should contact their healthcare provider for guidance rather than skipping doses. Skipping doses could lead to breakthrough seizures.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
A. "I can expect my contact lenses to turn red or orange.”
Rifampin causes red-orange discoloration of body fluids, including tears, sweat, urine, and saliva. This effect is harmless but can stain soft contact lenses permanently, so clients should be advised to use glasses instead.
B. “I should notify my provider if I start taking new over-the-counter or prescription medications.”
Rifampin is a potent enzyme inducer that can alter the metabolism of many drugs, including oral contraceptives and anticoagulants. The provider should be informed of any new medications to avoid potential drug interactions and ensure therapeutic effectiveness.
C. “I will need to have someone observe me when I take my medication.”
Directly observed therapy (DOT) is recommended to ensure adherence to tuberculosis treatment. A healthcare provider or designated individual supervises medication intake to improve compliance and reduce the risk of drug resistance.
D. “I will need to have a repeat Mantoux test in 4 weeks.”
A repeat Mantoux test is unnecessary for diagnosing active tuberculosis, as this condition is confirmed through sputum cultures and chest X-ray findings. Mantoux testing is primarily used for screening latent TB infections.
E. “I am no longer contagious.”
Clients with active tuberculosis remain contagious until they complete at least two weeks of effective multidrug therapy and show clinical improvement. Until then, infection control measures such as respiratory isolation should be followed.
F. “I will need to take my medications for a total of 6 weeks.”
The standard treatment for active tuberculosis lasts at least six months, typically involving a four-drug regimen for the first two months, followed by two drugs for the remaining four months. A six-week course is insufficient for eradication.
G. "I can continue my current alcohol intake."
Alcohol should be avoided due to the hepatotoxic effects of isoniazid, rifampin, and pyrazinamide. Combining alcohol with these medications increases the risk of liver damage, requiring clients to abstain or limit intake.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) "Ensure that the negative air pressure is active for the client’s room.": Negative air pressure is used for airborne precautions, such as in the case of tuberculosis or other airborne infections. MRSA is primarily spread through direct contact, not airborne transmission, so negative air pressure is not necessary in this situation.
B) "Place the client in a room with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.": A HEPA filter is used for airborne precautions to filter out airborne particles like those found in diseases such as tuberculosis or measles. Since MRSA is transmitted through direct contact and not airborne particles, placing the client in a room with a HEPA filter is not necessary.
C) "Have the client wear a mask when they are out of their room.": MRSA is typically spread by direct contact with infected wounds, bodily fluids, or contaminated surfaces. It is not transmitted via respiratory droplets, so there is no need for the client to wear a mask when they leave their room. The focus should be on contact precautions rather than respiratory precautions.
D) "Don gloves prior to assisting the client with brushing their teeth.": MRSA is a contact-borne infection, so it is essential to use proper personal protective equipment, such as gloves, when coming into direct contact with the client or any of their bodily fluids or contaminated items (such as toothbrushes). Donning gloves prior to assisting with brushing their teeth ensures that the nurse avoids direct contact with potential sources of infection. This is an important measure in preventing the spread of MRSA.
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