The client was admitted to the medical floor. Upon arrival, the client was assessed: He is difficult to arouse but follows commands. He has a peripheral IV which is infusing normal saline at 145 mL/hr. No redness or edema at the site. Breath sounds are clear and equal bilaterally. He appears pink and well-perfused.
The client had a tonic-clonic seizure that lasted for 3 minutes and 5 seconds. The client became apneic during the seizure and the oxygen saturation dropped to 48%. The client was manually ventilated at 100% oxygen and padding was placed around the vent for safety. After the seizure, the client was turned to his left for recovery.
The physician comes to the bedside following the seizure and prescribes phenytoin. The PN administers the phenytoin as prescribed.
What are the possible toxic effects of phenytoin that the PN should closely monitor the client for after administration?
Select all that apply
Ataxia
Drowsiness
Altered blood coagulation
Anxiety
Aphasia
Vertigo
Visual disturbances
Vomiting
Correct Answer : A,B,C,F,G
Ataxia: Phenytoin can cause problems with coordination and balance, leading to ataxia. The PN should monitor the client for unsteady gait or difficulty with movements.
Drowsiness: Phenytoin can cause drowsiness or sedation. The PN should observe the client for excessive sleepiness or difficulty staying awake.
Altered blood coagulation: Phenytoin can affect blood clotting factors, potentially leading to altered blood coagulation. The PN should assess the client for any signs of bleeding or bruising.
Vertigo: Phenytoin can cause dizziness or vertigo, which is a spinning sensation. The PN should be alert for complaints of dizziness or any difficulty with balance.
Visual disturbances: Phenytoin can cause visual disturbances, such as blurred vision or double vision. The PN should monitor the client's vision and report any changes.
The following options are incorrect regarding the toxic effects of phenytoin:
- Anxiety: Anxiety is not a recognized toxic effect of phenytoin. However, it is important to assess the client for any signs of anxiety or emotional changes.
- Aphasia: Aphasia refers to a language impairment and is not typically associated with the toxic effects of phenytoin.
- Vomiting: While phenytoin can cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, it is not directly related to its toxic effects. However, the PN should still monitor the client for any signs of nausea or vomiting.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Log-rolling is a technique used to safely turn a client who requires immobilization of the spine or has limited mobility. After log-rolling the client to a lateral position, it is important to maintain proper alignment to prevent injury and promote comfort. Placing pillows strategically can help support and maintain the client's alignment in the lateral position.
The other options mentioned are not the immediate interventions following log-rolling:
B. Raising the head of the bed 30 degrees may be indicated for specific medical conditions or interventions, but it is not the immediate intervention after log-rolling.
C. Flexing the legs and placing a blanket between them is a positioning technique used for preventing skin breakdown and pressure ulcers, but it is not the immediate intervention after log-rolling.
D. Measuring the blood pressure and pulse rate is an important nursing assessment, but it is not the immediate intervention after log-rolling.
Correct Answer is D, C, A, B
Explanation
- A 12-year-old child with a history of asthma is wheezing and complaining of shortness of breath. Wheezing and shortness of breath indicate respiratory distress, which can be a medical emergency for a child with asthma. Prompt intervention and assessment of the child's respiratory status are crucial.
- A 7-year-old child who has type 1 diabetes mellitus is experiencing extreme hunger and shakiness. These symptoms may indicate hypoglycemia, which requires immediate attention to prevent further complications. The PN should assess the child's blood glucose levels and provide appropriate treatment.
- A 10-year-old child with bleeding lacerations on both knees after falling on the playground. While bleeding lacerations require attention, they are not immediately life-threatening or likely to cause severe complications. However, the PN should still address this child's injuries promptly and provide appropriate wound care.
- A 5-year-old child is crying uncontrollably because of an incontinent bowel episode. While the child's distress is significant, it does not indicate an immediate life-threatening condition or urgent medical need. The PN should provide comfort, and reassurance, and assist with appropriate hygiene measures for the child.
Prioritizing care in this order ensures that the most urgent and potentially life-threatening conditions are addressed first, followed by those requiring immediate attention but with a lower risk of complications. Finally, the PN can attend to the client with a condition that, while distressing, is not immediately life-threatening or urgent.
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