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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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

This is the priority action by the practical nurse (PN) because it can help identify and prevent a potential adverse reaction to the medication. A client who is reaching saturation with medication means that the client has reached the maximum level of medication in the blood that can produce the desired therapeutic effect. However, this also means that the client is at a higher risk of developing toxicity or side effects from the medication.

The PN should report the findings of muscle soreness, fatigue, and warm skin to the charge nurse, as these may indicate signs of inﬂammation, infection, or allergic reaction to the medication. The PN should also monitor the client's vital signs, oxygen saturation, and laboratory values, and document the findings. The charge nurse should notify the health care provider and adjust the medication dosage or regimen as ordered.

A. Repeat the heel stick for glucose in one hour. B. Offer nipple feedings of 10% dextrose. C. Begin frequent feedings of breast milk or formula. D. Assess for signs of hypocalcemia.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The correct answer is C.

Choice A reason:

Repeating the heel stick for glucose in one hour is not the best first action because it delays necessary treatment and the infant's glucose could drop further, potentially causing harm.

Choice B reason:

Offering nipple feedings of 10% dextrose is not the initial treatment of choice for neonatal hypoglycemia. Oral dextrose gel may be used, but the priority is to provide a source of nutrition, such as breast milk or formula, which offers more sustained glucose levels.

Choice C reason:

Begin frequent feedings of breast milk or formula. This is the first intervention to implement because the infant's current glucose level is below the normal neonatal range of [30 to 60 mg/dL or 1.7 to 3.3 mmol/L], indicating hypoglycemia, which is common in infants of mothers with gestational diabetes. Immediate feeding can help raise the blood glucose level safely.

Choice D reason:

Assessing for signs of hypocalcemia is not the immediate priority. While hypocalcemia can occur in newborns, particularly those with maternal diabetes, the current symptoms and glucose level suggest hypoglycemia is the primary concern. Signs of hypocalcemia include irritability, muscle twitches, jitteriness, tremors, and poor feeding, which can overlap with hypoglycemia symptoms. However, the heel stick glucose level clearly indicates hypoglycemia, which should be addressed first.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client who is reaching saturation with medication reports the onset of muscle soreness and fatigue, and the practical nurse (PN) notes that the client's skin is warm to the touch. Which action by the PN is a priority?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A female client with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is transferred to a long term care facility for physical rehabilitation. To prevent injury, which action is most important for the practical nurse to implement?

The practical nurse (PN) notices that one of the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) working in the long- term care facility consistently records subnormal temperatures when using a tympanic thermometer. Which action should the PN take first?

The practical nurse (PN) is assisting with the plan of care for a client who is experiencing torticollis from a traumatic injury sustained during a football game. The client received a prescription for tramadol. Which intervention should the PN include in the client's plan of care?

The practical nurse (PN) palpates a client's radial pulse and notes that the pulse disappears when light pressure is applied. How should the PN document this finding?

A client whose first child was delivered by cesarean section is 20 weeks pregnant with her second child and wishes to have a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). What information is most important for the practical nurse (PN) to obtain?

A client with a compound fracture of the left ankle is being discharged with a below-the-knee cast. Which instruction should the practical nurse (PN) provide to the client prior to discharge?

During a routine prenatal visit at the antepartal clinic, a multipara at 35 weeks gestation presents with 2+ edema of the ankles and feet. Which additional information should the practical nurse (PN) report to the registered nurse?

A male client attends a community support program for mentally impaired and chemical-abusing clients. The client tells the practical nurse (PN) that his drugs of choice are cocaine and heroin. What is the greatest health risk for this client?