A nurse is providing discharge instruction to a client who has hypertension that has resulted in a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Which of the following information should the nurse discuss with the client regarding blood pressure (BP) management?

A. Diarrhea:

Diarrhea is not a common side effect of phenytoin. While gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation may occur, diarrhea is less common. Therefore, it is not a primary adverse effect that the nurse should instruct the client to monitor and report.

B. Wrist pain:

Wrist pain is not a common side effect of phenytoin. Side effects related to musculoskeletal issues such as joint pain, muscle weakness, or muscle twitching can occur, but wrist pain specifically is not commonly associated with phenytoin use. Therefore, it is not a primary adverse effect that the nurse should instruct the client to monitor and report.

C. Skin rash:

Skin rash is a potential adverse effect of phenytoin that should be monitored and reported. Phenytoin can cause various skin reactions, including a mild rash or more severe reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client to promptly report any signs of skin rash or other skin changes.

D. Metallic taste:

Metallic taste is a common side effect of phenytoin. While it is not usually a serious adverse effect, it can be bothersome for some individuals. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client to monitor for this side effect and report it if it occurs persistently or becomes bothersome.

A. Excessive salivation:

Excessive salivation is not a common adverse effect of benztropine. Instead, anticholinergic medications like benztropine often cause dry mouth, which is more common than excessive salivation.

B. Difficulty voiding:

Difficulty voiding, or urinary retention, is a potential adverse effect of anticholinergic medications like benztropine. Anticholinergic drugs can cause relaxation of the detrusor muscle in the bladder, leading to urinary retention. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client to report any difficulty or inability to urinate.

C. Diarrhea:

Diarrhea is not a common adverse effect of benztropine. Instead, anticholinergic medications like benztropine typically cause constipation due to their antimuscarinic effects on the gastrointestinal tract.

D. Slow pulse:

Slow pulse, or bradycardia, is not a common adverse effect of benztropine. Instead, anticholinergic medications like benztropine may cause tachycardia (increased heart rate) due to their effects on the autonomic nervous system.