A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for phenytoin to treat a seizure disorder. Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse instruct the client to report immediately to the provider?
Tender, bleeding gums.
Increased facial hair.
Constipation.
Skin rash.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Tender, bleeding gums could be a sign of phenytoin-induced gingival hyperplasia, a serious adverse effect of phenytoin. This condition requires immediate medical attention to prevent further complications.
Choice B rationale:
Increased facial hair is not a common adverse effect of phenytoin and may not require immediate medical attention. It could be due to other factors or conditions.
Choice C rationale:
Constipation is a common side effect of many medications, including phenytoin. While it should be monitored, it does not require immediate reporting to the provider unless severe or persistent.
Choice D rationale:
A skin rash can be an adverse effect of phenytoin, but it does not necessarily require immediate reporting unless it is severe, accompanied by other symptoms, or indicative of a serious allergic reaction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Covering bedside water pitchers after being filled helps reduce the risk of contamination and infection by preventing the entry of airborne pathogens or debris.
Choice B rationale:
Allowing dressings that get wet in the shower to dry out is not an effective infection control strategy. Wet dressings can become a breeding ground for bacteria, and it is important to change wet dressings promptly to minimize the risk of infection.
Choice C rationale:
Used needles should be immediately disposed of in sharps containers, not placed at the nurses' station. Placing used needles in the sharps container promptly helps prevent accidental needlestick injuries and potential transmission of infections.
Choice D rationale:
Drainage bottles should be emptied regularly to prevent overfilling, but they should not be allowed to become full. Regular emptying ensures proper functioning and reduces the risk of spillage or contamination in the client care area.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A decrease in NG tube drainage indicates that the client's stomach contents are not being aspirated excessively, which suggests that the IV fluids are effectively maintaining fluid volume balance. This finding is positive because it shows that the client is retaining the fluids they need, and it may also indicate improved gastrointestinal function and decreased risk of dehydration.
Choice B rationale:
The potassium level of 3.3 mEq/L (milliequivalents per liter) is low. The normal range for potassium is typically between 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. Hypokalemia (low potassium) can result from various factors and may cause muscle weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, and other complications. It is not a finding that indicates the effectiveness of fluid volume balance therapy.
Choice C rationale:
An increased heart rate may suggest that the client is experiencing fluid volume deficit or other physiological stress. It is not a finding that indicates the effectiveness of fluid volume balance therapy.
Choice D rationale:
A hematocrit level of 46% is within the normal range for adult males (typically around 38.8% to 50%) and indicates the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. While it can provide information about blood viscosity and hydration status, it does not directly indicate the effectiveness of fluid volume balance therapy.
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