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
Hyperkalemia refers to an elevated level of potassium in the blood. It can have various manifestations, and one of the critical effects of hyperkalemia is its impact on cardiac function. High levels of potassium can disrupt the normal electrical conduction in the heart, leading to arrhythmias or irregular heart rate. These arrhythmias can range from mild palpitations to more severe and life-threatening conditions like ventricular fibrillation.
Dry mucous membranes are more commonly associated with dehydration or reduced fluid intake. Hyperkalemia does not directly cause dry mucous membranes.
Trousseau's sign is a clinical manifestation of hypocalcemia, not hyperkalemia. It is characterized by carpal spasms induced by inflating a blood pressure cuff above the client's systolic blood pressure for a few minutes.
Hyperactive reflexes are commonly seen in conditions such as hyperthyroidism or certain neurologic disorders. They are not directly related to hyperkalemia.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Fever.
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. The characteristic symptoms of pertussis include paroxysmal (severe and uncontrollable) coughing fits, followed by a "whooping" sound during inhalation as the child tries to catch their breath. However, specific manifestations may vary depending on the stage of the illness.
Fever is a common manifestation of pertussis. The child may have an elevated body temperature as a response to the infection. The fever is typically low-grade but can occasionally be higher.
Koplik spots in (option B) is incorrect because they are small white or bluish-grey spots with a red halo that appear on the inside of the cheeks. However, Koplik spots are characteristic of measles (rubeola) and not pertussis.
Facial erythema, or redness of the face, in (option C) is incorrect because it is not a typical manifestation of pertussis. Facial redness may be seen in other conditions such as fever, allergic reactions, or certain skin conditions.
A beefy, red tongue Is in (option D) is incorrect because it is not associated with pertussis. This description is more commonly associated with other conditions such as vitamin B12 deficiency or certain types of oral infections.
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