A nurse is caring for a client who is taking valproic acid for seizure control. For which of the following adverse effects should the nurse monitor and report?
Weight loss
Jaundice
Bradycardia
Polyuria
The Correct Answer is B
Jaundice.
Rationale:
- A. Weight loss is not a common or serious adverse effect of valproic acid. Valproic acid can cause weight gain, not weight loss.
- B. Jaundice is a sign of liver damage, which is a serious and potentially fatal adverse effect of valproic acid. Valproic acid can impair fatty acid metabolism and mitochondrial function, leading to hepatotoxicity and steatosis. The nurse should monitor the client's liver function tests and report any signs of jaundice, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or clay-colored stools .
- C. Bradycardia is not a common or serious adverse effect of valproic acid. Valproic acid can cause cardiac arrhythmias, but they are usually tachycardic, not bradycardic.
- D. Polyuria is not a common or serious adverse effect of valproic acid. Valproic acid can cause hypernatremia and hypocalcemia, which can affect urine output, but polyuria is not a specific symptom of these electrolyte imbalances.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Irritability.
The rationale for each choice is as follows:
- A. Irritability: Correct. Irritability is one of the signs of hypoglycemia, which occurs when blood glucose levels fall below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L). Other signs include shakiness, sweating, hunger, headache, confusion, and blurred vision.
- B. Increased urination: Incorrect. Increased urination is one of the signs of hyperglycemia, which occurs when blood glucose levels rise above 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L). Other signs include thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, nausea, and fruity breath odor.
- C. Vomiting: Incorrect. Vomiting is not a specific sign of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, but it can occur as a complication of either condition if left untreated or poorly managed.
- D.Facial flushing: Incorrect. Facial flushing is not a sign of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, but it can occur as a side effect of some medications used to treat diabetes, such as niacin or rosiglitazone.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
- A. Chest x-ray is not correct because it is not related to valproic acid therapy or its adverse effects.
- B. Serum liver enzyme levels is correct because valproic acid can cause hepatotoxicity and liver function tests should be monitored regularly.
- C. ABGS is not correct because it is not indicated for valproic acid therapy or its adverse effects.
- D. Urine culture and sensitivity is not correct because it is not related to valproic acid therapy or its adverse effects.
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