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 C
Explanation
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The AIMS is specifically designed to assess for the presence and severity of abnormal involuntary movements, which can be a side effect of long-term antipsychotic medication use, including tardive dyskinesia. It consists of a series of standardized movements and observations that assess different body regions for abnormal movements. The nurse can use this tool to monitor the client's movements and identify any signs of tardive dyskinesia.
A. Mental Status Examination (MSE): The MSE is a comprehensive assessment of a client's mental status, including their cognition, mood, and thought processes. While the MSE is an important tool in assessing overall mental health, it is not specific to tardive dyskinesia.
C. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9): The PHQ-9 is a screening tool for depression that assesses the severity of depressive symptoms. While depression can be a comorbidity in individuals with schizophrenia, the PHQ-9 does not directly assess for tardive dyskinesia.
D. Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS): The BPRS is a rating scale used to assess the severity of psychiatric symptoms in individuals with mental disorders. While it is useful in evaluating overall symptomatology in schizophrenia, it does not specifically target tardive dyskinesia.
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