A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a female client who is taking phenytoin. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
"You can safely take this medication if you become pregnant."
"You should expect to have blood work every 6 months while taking this medication."
"You might experience swollen gums while taking this medication."
“You can skip a dose of this medication if you are nauseated."
The Correct Answer is C
Phenytoin is known to cause gingival hyperplasia, which is characterized by swollen and enlarged gums. This side effect is more common in long-term use and may require dental care and regular oral hygiene practices.
Phenytoin is known to be associated with an increased risk of birth defects in babies born to women taking the medication during pregnancy. It is important for women of childbearing age to discuss the risks and benefits of phenytoin with their healthcare provider and use effective contraception to avoid pregnancy while taking the medication.
Phenytoin can affect liver function, so regular monitoring of liver enzymes and blood levels of the medication is necessary. The frequency of blood work may vary depending on the individual's specific situation, so it is important to follow the healthcare provider's instructions. It is not advisable to skip a dose of phenytoin without consulting a healthcare provider.
Abruptly stopping or missing doses of antiepileptic medications can lead to breakthrough seizures or other complications. Any changes in the medication regimen should be discussed with the healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Using the overbed trapeze helps the client strengthen their upper body and improve mobility by allowing them to independently move and reposition themselves in bed. This promotes independence in activities of daily living and reduces reliance on nursing assistance.
Cautioning the client to avoid a prone position while in bed is important for preventing pressure ulcers and maintaining proper positioning, but it does not specifically promote independence and mobility.
Keeping a loose, absorbent dressing over the surgical site is important for wound care and infection prevention, but it does not directly promote mobility or independence. Maintaining abduction of the client's residual limb with a pillow is important to prevent contractures, but it does not directly promote mobility or independence.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
When removing the dressing and cleaning the wound, it is important to start from the center of the wound and work towards the outer edges. This technique helps prevent contamination of the wound by minimizing the risk of dragging bacteria or debris from the surrounding skin into the wound.
The other options listed are not recommended for this specific procedure:
When removing the tape, it is generally recommended to pull it parallel to the skin surface rather than pulling from the center of the dressing. This technique reduces the risk of causing trauma or disrupting the wound.
While it is important to maintain aseptic technique during dressing changes, wearing sterile gloves is not necessary for a wet-to-dry dressing change. Clean, non-sterile gloves are typically sufficient for this procedure, as the dressing material itself is not sterile.
In a wet-to-dry dressing change, the dressing is typically applied moist and allowed to dry over time. Therefore, moistening the dressing before removal is not necessary. The primary goal is to remove the dry dressing, which may adhere to the wound bed, and then clean the wound before applying a fresh dressing.
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