A nurse is teaching a client newly diagnosed with a seizure disorder about phenytoin sodium therapy. What information should the nurse stress regarding the client stopping the drug suddenly? The drug should not be stopped abruptly because:
hypoglycemic event often develops
physical dependency on the drug develops over time.
a heart block is likely to develop.
status epileptic us may develop
The Correct Answer is D
A) Hypoglycemic event often develops:
Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant, and while it can affect glucose metabolism, hypoglycemia is not a typical consequence of abruptly stopping the drug. This is not a primary concern when discontinuing phenytoin therapy. Hypoglycemia is more commonly associated with medications like insulin or sulfonylureas, not anticonvulsants like phenytoin.
B) Physical dependency on the drug develops over time:
Phenytoin does not cause physical dependence in the way that some other substances (e.g., alcohol, opioids) can. While the body can become used to a medication over time, and withdrawal symptoms can occur, the risk of physical dependence is not the main reason why phenytoin should not be stopped suddenly.
C) A heart block is likely to develop:
Phenytoin is known to have effects on cardiac conduction, and it can cause heart rhythm disturbances like bradycardia or a prolonged PR interval, especially with toxicity. However, the risk of a heart block developing due to abrupt discontinuation of phenytoin is not the primary concern.
D) Status epilepticus may develop:
The most serious risk of suddenly stopping phenytoin, or any anticonvulsant, is the potential for status epilepticus. Status epilepticus is a medical emergency where seizures occur continuously without recovery in between, which can be life-threatening. Abruptly discontinuing phenytoin can lead to a rebound increase in seizure activity, which can result in status epilepticus.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["D","E"]
Explanation
A) Pneumonia: Pneumonia is a direct cause of ARDS, as it involves direct inflammation and infection of the lung tissue, leading to impaired oxygen exchange and damage to the alveolar-capillary membrane. It results in fluid accumulation in the lungs, which is a key characteristic of ARDS.
B) Drowning: Drowning is another direct cause of ARDS. It involves the aspiration of water into the lungs, which directly damages lung tissue, causing pulmonary edema and impaired oxygenation.
C) Aspiration: Aspiration of food, liquid, or vomit into the lungs is also a direct cause of ARDS. The aspirated material can lead to chemical pneumonia, bacterial infection, and inflammation of the lungs, which in turn causes ARDS.
D) Sepsis: Sepsis is an indirect cause of ARDS. It can lead to widespread inflammation throughout the body, including the lungs, through the release of inflammatory mediators (cytokines, interleukins, etc.). These systemic inflammatory responses can increase capillary permeability in the lungs, causing fluid to leak into the alveoli, which leads to ARDS.
E) Blood Transfusion: Blood transfusion, particularly when associated with transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), is an indirect cause of ARDS. TRALI is a serious complication that can result from receiving blood products, where the transfused blood causes an immune response leading to pulmonary damage. It indirectly triggers inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs, contributing to ARDS.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Increased cardiac output:
While cardiac output is an important factor in shock management, the primary goal of nursing care is not specifically to increase cardiac output. Shock typically involves inadequate tissue perfusion, which may be caused by a variety of factors including low cardiac output, vasodilation, or fluid imbalance. The focus of nursing care is to restore adequate perfusion to tissues, which may involve improving cardiac output as part of a larger therapeutic strategy.
B) Inadequate tissue perfusion:
The primary goal in the treatment of shock is to restore adequate tissue perfusion, as shock is defined by a failure of the circulatory system to supply sufficient oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues and organs. Inadequate tissue perfusion can lead to organ dysfunction and, if not addressed, can result in organ failure and death. Nursing interventions are aimed at improving perfusion through fluid resuscitation, vasoactive medications, and other strategies to ensure that oxygen and nutrients are delivered to vital organs.
C) Fluid overload or deficit:
Managing fluid status is crucial in shock, as fluid imbalance (either overload or deficit) can exacerbate the condition. However, fluid overload or deficit is not the primary focus; rather, it is one aspect of managing inadequate tissue perfusion. For example, in hypovolemic shock, the nurse would manage fluid deficit, while in cardiogenic shock, the focus would be on optimizing fluid balance without causing overload.
D) Vasoconstriction of vasculature:
While vasoconstriction can be a compensatory mechanism in certain types of shock (e.g., hypovolemic shock), the primary goal is not to induce vasoconstriction per se. In some cases, vasodilation may occur (as in septic shock), and vasoconstriction could be harmful. The goal is to optimize the vascular tone and perfusion, which may involve vasodilation or vasoconstriction depending on the type of shock.
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