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 B
Explanation
The nurse should describe hyperactive bowel sounds as sounds that are loud, high-pitched and increased in frequency and intensity. They are more frequent than normal bowel sounds, with a rapid succession of sounds occurring at a rate greater than 5 to 30 sounds per minute.
Hyperactive bowel sounds can be heard in conditions such as gastroenteritis, diarrhea, and early mechanical bowel obstruction. They indicate increased bowel motility and are often associated with increased peristalsis.
To differentiate hyperactive bowel sounds from normal or hypoactive bowel sounds, the nurse can explain that hypoactive bowel sounds are decreased or absent sounds that occur when the bowel motility is decreased, such as in conditions like paralytic ileus or after abdominal surgery. Normal bowel sounds are typically soft, low-pitched, and occur at a rate of 5 to 30 sounds per minute.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A nurse caring for a school-age child who has appendicitis should monitor for several manifestations of a perforated appendix and report to the provider. According to my sources, one of the major complications of appendicitis is the perforation of the appendix, which can lead to peritonitis, abscess formation, or portal pylephlebitis. Perforation generally occurs 24 hours after the onset of pain. Symptoms include a fever of 37.7⁰C or greater, a toxic appearance, and continued abdominal pain or tenderness.
B- Lethargy is not mentioned as a manifestation of a perforated appendix.
C- Decreased abdominal girth is not mentioned as a manifestation of a perforated appendix.
D- Bradycardia, which refers to a slower than normal heart rate, is also not mentioned as a manifestation of a perforated appendix.
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