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 {"dropdown-group-1":"B","dropdown-group-2":"A"}
Explanation
Intracranial hemorrhage: Given the client's history of falling out of bed, subsequent head injury, headache, seizure, and neurological deterioration (weakness on the right side of the body, dilated right pupil, confusion), there is a significant concern for intracranial hemorrhage. These symptoms suggest possible bleeding within the skull, which can rapidly escalate and become life-threatening.
Heart rate: The client's decreasing heart rate from 70/min at 1230 to 40/min at 1430 indicates bradycardia, which can be a critical sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) due to intracranial hemorrhage. Bradycardia is a late sign of increased ICP and indicates severe neurological compromise. In this context, the irregular heart rate and the associated neurological symptoms raise concerns for impending or ongoing intracranial hemorrhage.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Intracranial pressure: Monitoring intracranial pressure is important in clients with a history of subdural hematoma, but immediate assessment of respiratory status takes precedence in the immediate postoperative period to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation.
B. Respiratory status: Following evacuation of a subdural hematoma, the client may be at risk for respiratory compromise due to factors such as altered consciousness, impaired airway reflexes, or postoperative complications. Assessing respiratory rate, depth, oxygen saturation, and presence of respiratory distress is essential for early detection and intervention.
C. Temperature: Monitoring temperature is important for detecting signs of infection or systemic complications, but it is not the priority assessment immediately following evacuation of a subdural hematoma.
D. Serum electrolytes: While monitoring serum electrolytes is important for overall assessment and management of the client's condition, it is not the priority assessment in the immediate postoperative period following evacuation of a subdural hematoma.
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