A patient has been taking phenytoin (Dilantin) for 2 years. Which action should the nurse take when evaluating possible adverse effects of the medication?
Auscultate the bowel sounds.
Inspect the oral mucosa
Check pupil reaction to light.
Listen to the lung sounds.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Auscultate the bowel sounds: While gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea or
constipation can occur with phenytoin, auscultating bowel sounds is not a specific assessment related to its adverse effects.
B. Inspect the oral mucosa: Phenytoin is associated with gingival hyperplasia, a condition characterized by overgrowth of gum tissue. Therefore, inspecting the oral mucosa for signs of gum enlargement or other oral changes is important for evaluating adverse effects of phenytoin.
C. Check pupil reaction to light: Phenytoin does not typically affect pupil reaction to light. This assessment is more relevant for medications that act on the central nervous system or conditions affecting cranial nerve function.
D. Listen to the lung sounds: Phenytoin is not typically associated with respiratory side effects. Assessing lung sounds may be relevant in certain clinical situations, but it is not a specific assessment related to phenytoin adverse effects.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Placing the client with the head reclined back can increase the risk of aspiration and is not recommended.
B. Placing food in the affected side of the mouth could lead to choking, as the client may have reduced sensation or control on that side.
C. Encouraging the client to take small bites can help prevent choking and make swallowing easier.
D. While exercise might promote appetite, it is not directly related to feeding safety and should be discussed separately from swallowing instructions.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Assess for the presence of chest pain: While chest pain should always be assessed in a comprehensive health history and physical examination, it is not specifically related to multiple sclerosis unless there are concurrent cardiac issues.
B. Inquire about urinary tract problems: Urinary symptoms such as urinary urgency, frequency, hesitancy, or incontinence are common in multiple sclerosis due to neurogenic bladder dysfunction. Therefore, it is essential to inquire about these symptoms to assess the extent of neurological involvement and provide appropriate management.

C. Inspect the skin for rashes or discoloration: While skin manifestations can occur in multiple sclerosis, they are less common and not typically primary concerns during initial assessment. However, if the patient reports skin changes, they should be evaluated accordingly.
D. Ask the patient about any increase in libido: Changes in libido are not typically associated with multiple sclerosis unless they are related to psychological or emotional factors. While sexual dysfunction can occur in MS, it is not the primary focus during the initial assessment unless the patient presents with related concerns.
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