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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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Place the client in Sims' position for catheter insertion: Sims' position (side-lying position) is not typically used for central venous catheter insertion. The client is usually placed in a supine or Trendelenburg position to help facilitate insertion and decrease the risk of air embolism during the procedure.
B) Prepare the client for a chest x-ray to verify catheter placement: After the insertion of a central venous catheter, a chest x-ray is routinely performed to verify the correct placement of the catheter in the superior vena cava or right atrium. This is essential to ensure the catheter is properly positioned and to check for complications like pneumothorax or inadvertent placement in the lung.
C) Use clean technique when changing the catheter dressing: When changing the dressing for a central venous catheter, sterile technique is required, not clean technique. Sterile technique minimizes the risk of infection, which is a major concern when caring for central venous access devices.
D) Verify the amount of TPN solution the client is receiving every 4 hr: While it is important to monitor the amount of TPN being infused and assess for complications, verifying the exact amount every 4 hours is not a standard procedure. Typically, TPN is managed and adjusted by the healthcare provider based on lab results, weight, and clinical status, but constant monitoring of the solution is not required.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Weight loss: Weight loss is not a sign of fluid overload; rather, it is more indicative of dehydration or insufficient nutritional intake. Fluid overload typically leads to weight gain due to the accumulation of excess fluid in the body, so weight loss would not be a manifestation of this condition.
B) Decreased skin turgor: Decreased skin turgor is a common sign of dehydration, not fluid overload. When a person is dehydrated, the skin loses its elasticity, and it takes longer to return to its normal position after being pinched. This is the opposite of what is seen in fluid overload, where excess fluid causes the skin to appear more swollen or taut.
C) Decreased blood pressure: Decreased blood pressure is more commonly associated with hypovolemia (low fluid volume) or dehydration, rather than fluid overload. In fluid overload, blood pressure may actually rise due to the increased volume of circulating blood, not decrease.
D) Crackles heard in the lungs: Crackles, or rales, heard in the lungs are a classic sign of fluid overload, particularly when the excess fluid accumulates in the lungs (pulmonary edema). This can occur due to the heart's inability to pump effectively, leading to fluid retention in the lungs. Therefore, crackles in the lungs are a key manifestation of fluid overload.
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