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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
(Potassium level) Lovastatin is a medication used to treat high cholesterol levels. While potassium levels are important to monitor for certain conditions, they are not directly related to the initiation of lovastatin therapy. Therefore, this is not the correct choice for diagnostic testing before starting the medication.
Choice B rationale:
(Hemoglobin level) Hemoglobin levels are important to assess for anemia or other blood disorders. However, they are not specifically required before starting lovastatin therapy. Therefore, this is not the correct choice for diagnostic testing before starting the medication.
Choice C rationale:
(Kidney function tests) While kidney function tests are essential for many medications to ensure proper excretion and avoid toxicity, they are not directly related to the initiation of lovastatin therapy. Therefore, this is not the correct choice for diagnostic testing before starting the medication.
Choice D rationale:
(Liver function tests) Liver function tests are crucial before starting lovastatin therapy. Lovastatin is metabolized in the liver, and it can potentially cause liver damage or abnormalities in liver enzymes. Monitoring liver function helps detect any pre-existing liver conditions and ensures the safe use of the medication. Therefore, this is the correct choice for diagnostic testing before starting the medication.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Answer: C. The nurse declines to inform a client's neighbor about the client's prognosis.
Rationale:
A) The nurse files an incident report regarding a medication error:
Filing an incident report is crucial for patient safety and quality improvement but primarily serves organizational processes. It helps identify and address systemic issues to prevent future errors, but it is not a direct act of advocacy for the individual client.
B) The nurse provides wound care to a client at the time promised to the client:
Providing timely care demonstrates reliability and respect for the client's needs, which is an important aspect of nursing care. However, this action alone does not constitute advocacy, as it is more about fulfilling professional responsibilities and maintaining trust.
C) The nurse declines to inform a client's neighbor about the client's prognosis:
Declining to share confidential information with a neighbor is a direct act of advocacy. It protects the client's right to privacy and confidentiality, ensuring that sensitive health information is disclosed only to authorized individuals. Upholding these ethical standards is a fundamental aspect of advocating for the client's rights and dignity.
D) The nurse refers a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for palliative care services:
Referring a client to palliative care is an important aspect of providing holistic and compassionate care, but it is a broader action related to care coordination rather than a specific advocacy action in the context of maintaining client confidentiality and rights.
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