A nurse is teaching a client newly diagnosed with a seizure disorder about phenytoin sodium therapy. What information should the nurse stress regarding the client stopping the drug suddenly? The drug should not be stopped abruptly because:
hypoglycemic event often develops
physical dependency on the drug develops over time.
a heart block is likely to develop.
status epileptic us may develop
The Correct Answer is D
A) Hypoglycemic event often develops:
Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant, and while it can affect glucose metabolism, hypoglycemia is not a typical consequence of abruptly stopping the drug. This is not a primary concern when discontinuing phenytoin therapy. Hypoglycemia is more commonly associated with medications like insulin or sulfonylureas, not anticonvulsants like phenytoin.
B) Physical dependency on the drug develops over time:
Phenytoin does not cause physical dependence in the way that some other substances (e.g., alcohol, opioids) can. While the body can become used to a medication over time, and withdrawal symptoms can occur, the risk of physical dependence is not the main reason why phenytoin should not be stopped suddenly.
C) A heart block is likely to develop:
Phenytoin is known to have effects on cardiac conduction, and it can cause heart rhythm disturbances like bradycardia or a prolonged PR interval, especially with toxicity. However, the risk of a heart block developing due to abrupt discontinuation of phenytoin is not the primary concern.
D) Status epilepticus may develop:
The most serious risk of suddenly stopping phenytoin, or any anticonvulsant, is the potential for status epilepticus. Status epilepticus is a medical emergency where seizures occur continuously without recovery in between, which can be life-threatening. Abruptly discontinuing phenytoin can lead to a rebound increase in seizure activity, which can result in status epilepticus.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["90"]
Explanation
Given:
Ordered dose of Alteplase: 0.9 mg/kg
Client weight: 220 pounds
Step 1: Convert the client's weight from pounds to kilograms:
1 pound (lb) = 0.453592 kilograms (kg)
Client weight in kg = 220 lbs x 0.453592 kg/lb = 99.76824 kg
Step 2: Calculate the total dose of Alteplase:
Total dose (mg) = Ordered dose (mg/kg) xClient weight (kg)
Total dose (mg) = 0.9 mg/kg x 99.76824 kg
Total dose (mg) = 89.801416 mg
Step 3: Round to the nearest whole number:
Total dose (mg) ≈ 90 mg
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Insertion of a cardioverter-defibrillator:
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a condition characterized by abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, particularly the septum, which can lead to obstruction of blood flow and contribute to the development of arrhythmias. The most concerning arrhythmias in HCM include ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, both of which can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. A cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a device that monitors the heart's rhythm and can deliver a shock to restore normal rhythm in the event of a life-threatening arrhythmia.
B) A medication regimen that includes nitrates:
Nitrates are vasodilators commonly used in the treatment of conditions like angina and heart failure. However, nitrates are generally avoided in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy because they can exacerbate the condition by decreasing preload and increasing the outflow tract obstruction due to the thickened heart muscle.
C) Immediate cardiac transplantation:
Cardiac transplantation is a treatment for end-stage heart failure, typically in patients who have not responded to medical or surgical treatments. While hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can lead to heart failure, it is not the first line treatment for dysrhythmias or complications from the disease.
D) Insertion of a drug-eluting stent:
Drug-eluting stents are used to prevent restenosis (narrowing) of coronary arteries after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is not caused by coronary artery disease.
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