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
The presence of a red and swollen wound with a moderate amount of yellow and green drainage and a foul odor indicates the possibility of infection in the wound. Evaluating the client's C-reactive protein (CRP) level can provide information about the presence and severity of inflammation and infection. CRP is an acute-phase reactant produced by the liver in response to inflammation. An elevated CRP level suggests an active inflammatory process, which can help in determining the need for further assessment and treatment, such as wound cultures or antibiotics.
Here's why the other options are incorrect:
B- Serum blood glucose (BG) level: While diabetes and elevated blood glucose levels can increase the risk of infection and delay wound healing, in this case, the presentation of redness, swelling, drainage, and odor suggests a possible wound infection. Evaluating the client's blood glucose level is important for the overall management and control of diabetes, but it is not the first priority when assessing a potentially infected wound.
C- Serum albumin: Serum albumin is a measure of the client's nutritional status and can provide information about the client's overall protein levels. While malnutrition can affect wound healing, in this scenario, the priority is to assess for signs of infection and inflammation. Addressing the wound infection takes precedence over evaluating the client's serum albumin level.
D- Culture for sensitive organisms: Obtaining a wound culture for sensitive organisms may be necessary to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection and determine the appropriate antibiotic treatment. However, before performing a wound culture, it is important to assess the severity of the wound infection and determine the need for further intervention. Evaluating the client's CRP level is a more immediate and readily available assessment to determine the presence and severity of inflammation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The client's question about whether the surgical opening will be visible suggests that they have concerns or misconceptions about the upcoming fecal diversion surgery. By reviewing the client's expectations of elimination after surgery, the PN can provide accurate information and address any anxieties or concerns the client may have.
The other options are not directly related to the client's question and are not the most appropriate actions to take in this situation:
A. Determining if this is the client's first indwelling catheter is unrelated to the client's question about the visibility of the surgical opening. It may be important to assess the client's history of urinary catheter use for other purposes, but it does not address the client's immediate concern.
B. Asking the client if they finished the bowel sterilization prescription is also unrelated to the visibility of the surgical opening. While bowel sterilization may be a part of the preoperative preparation for fecal diversion surgery, it does not address the client's questions and concerns.
D. Verifying that the client had nothing by mouth (NPO) for the past 24 hours is important for general preoperative care but does not address the client's specific question about the visibility of the surgical opening.
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