The nurse is preparing discharge instructions for a patient with a history of diabetes who has just been diagnosed with seizure disorder. The patient has been prescribed hydantoin therapy. What will the patient most likely experience?

Hyperglycemia

Hunger

Hypoglycemia

Pupil dilation

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Hyperglycemia:

Hyperglycemia refers to high blood sugar levels. While certain medications can affect glucose metabolism and potentially lead to hyperglycemia as a side effect, this is not typically associated with hydantoin therapy for seizure disorder. Therefore, it is less likely for the patient to experience hyperglycemia as a direct result of taking hydantoin medication.

B. Hunger:

Hunger is not a common side effect of hydantoin therapy for seizure disorder. While some medications may affect appetite or cause changes in eating habits, hunger is not a typical side effect of hydantoin medications such as phenytoin.

C. Hypoglycemia:

Hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar levels, which can lead to symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, sweating, and weakness. Hydantoin medications, particularly phenytoin, can affect glucose metabolism and increase the risk of hypoglycemia, especially in patients who already have diabetes or are prone to low blood sugar. Therefore, it is important for patients taking hydantoin therapy to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly and be aware of the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia.

D. Pupil dilation:

Pupil dilation, or mydriasis, is not a common side effect of hydantoin therapy for seizure disorder. While certain medications may affect pupil size, this is not typically associated with hydantoin medications such as phenytoin.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Semicomatose:

This term suggests a state between consciousness and coma. A patient who is semicomatose may exhibit some level of responsiveness but is typically unresponsive or only responds to intense stimuli.

B. Somnolent:

Somnolence refers to a state of drowsiness or sleepiness. A somnolent patient may appear sleepy, have difficulty staying awake, and may be slow to respond to stimuli. However, the withdrawal from painful stimuli described in the scenario suggests a higher level of responsiveness than what would typically be expected in a somnolent state.

C. Lethargic:

Lethargy describes a state of reduced alertness or responsiveness. A lethargic patient may appear drowsy, sluggish, and have diminished responses to stimuli. The description of the patient as stuporous (having a decreased level of consciousness) but still reacting by withdrawing from painful stimuli aligns with the characteristics of lethargy.

D. Comatose:

Coma refers to a state of profound unconsciousness where the patient is unresponsive to all stimuli, including painful stimuli. A comatose patient does not demonstrate any purposeful movement or response to stimuli. Since the patient in the scenario exhibits some response to painful stimuli by withdrawing, they do not meet the criteria for being comatose.

A. Nystagmus B. Strabismus C. Blurry vision D. Amblyopia

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Nystagmus:

Nystagmus is an involuntary, rhythmic movement of the eyes, which can be rapid and jerky. It is a common neurological manifestation of phenytoin toxicity. Patients experiencing phenytoin toxicity may exhibit horizontal or vertical nystagmus, which can be detected upon physical examination.

B. Strabismus:

Strabismus, also known as crossed eyes or squint, refers to a misalignment of the eyes. While strabismus can have various causes, it is not typically associated with phenytoin toxicity. Therefore, it is less likely to indicate phenytoin toxicity compared to nystagmus.

C. Blurry vision:

Blurry vision, or visual disturbances, can occur in patients experiencing phenytoin toxicity. However, it is a non-specific symptom and can be observed in various other conditions as well. Patients with phenytoin toxicity may experience blurry vision, double vision (diplopia), or other visual disturbances due to the effects of the medication on the central nervous system.

D. Amblyopia:

Amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, is a condition characterized by reduced vision in one or both eyes. It is typically associated with visual development during childhood and is not directly related to phenytoin toxicity. Therefore, it is less likely to indicate phenytoin toxicity compared to nystagmus or other neurological manifestations.

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The nurse is preparing discharge instructions for a patient with a history of diabetes who has just been diagnosed with seizure disorder. The patient has been prescribed hydantoin therapy. What will the patient most likely experience?

Nursing Test Bank

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