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 can safely take this medication if you become pregnant."
"You should expect to have blood work every 6 months while taking this medication."
"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
Phenytoin is known to cause gingival hyperplasia, which is characterized by swollen and enlarged gums. This side effect is more common in long-term use and may require dental care and regular oral hygiene practices.
Phenytoin is known to be associated with an increased risk of birth defects in babies born to women taking the medication during pregnancy. It is important for women of childbearing age to discuss the risks and benefits of phenytoin with their healthcare provider and use effective contraception to avoid pregnancy while taking the medication.
Phenytoin can affect liver function, so regular monitoring of liver enzymes and blood levels of the medication is necessary. The frequency of blood work may vary depending on the individual's specific situation, so it is important to follow the healthcare provider's instructions.
It is not advisable to skip a dose of phenytoin without consulting a healthcare provider. Abruptly stopping or missing doses of antiepileptic medications can lead to breakthrough seizures or other complications. Any changes in the medication regimen should be discussed with the healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Budesonide is a corticosteroid inhaler used for long-term management of asthma. It helps to reduce inflammation and prevent asthma symptoms. Rinsing the mouth and gargling with water after using a corticosteroid inhaler can help reduce the risk of developing oral thrush, a fungal infection.
The other statements are incorrect and indicate a misunderstanding of the teaching:
"I will take my inhaler treatment before each meal and at bedtime": Budesonide is not typically used before meals or at bedtime. It is usually taken on a regular schedule, as prescribed by the healthcare provider, to provide long-term control of asthma symptoms.
Using the inhaler before exercising is important because physical activity can trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals. By using the inhaler before exercise, the client can help prevent exercise-induced asthma symptoms. However, this depends on the degree of difficulty of the exercise.
"I should use my inhaler when I have an asthma attack": Budesonide is not a rescue inhaler for immediate relief of asthma symptoms during an asthma attack. It is a controlled medication meant to be used regularly to prevent symptoms from occurring.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Epinephrine is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called adrenergic agonists. It works by stimulating certain receptors in the body, particularly alpha and beta adrenergic receptors.
One of the effects of epinephrine is vasoconstriction, which can help reduce swelling and inflammation.
Swelling of the lips, also known as angioedema, can occur as an allergic reaction to certain substances, such as foods, medications, or insect bites. Epinephrine acts as an immediate treatment for severe allergic reactions, including angioedema, by constricting blood vessels and reducing swelling.
The other manifestations mentioned, such as hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), hand tremors, and nausea, are not typically treated with epinephrine. Epinephrine's primary role is to address severe allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, or potentially life-threatening conditions associated with allergic responses
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