Which three symptoms are characteristic of Cushing triad associated with increased ICP?

A. Excessive salivation:

Excessive salivation is not a common adverse effect of benztropine. Instead, anticholinergic medications like benztropine often cause dry mouth, which is more common than excessive salivation.

B. Difficulty voiding:

Difficulty voiding, or urinary retention, is a potential adverse effect of anticholinergic medications like benztropine. Anticholinergic drugs can cause relaxation of the detrusor muscle in the bladder, leading to urinary retention. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client to report any difficulty or inability to urinate.

C. Diarrhea:

Diarrhea is not a common adverse effect of benztropine. Instead, anticholinergic medications like benztropine typically cause constipation due to their antimuscarinic effects on the gastrointestinal tract.

D. Slow pulse:

Slow pulse, or bradycardia, is not a common adverse effect of benztropine. Instead, anticholinergic medications like benztropine may cause tachycardia (increased heart rate) due to their effects on the autonomic nervous system.

A. "I will notify my provider before taking any other medications."

This statement demonstrates understanding of the importance of consulting the provider before taking any other medications. It is correct because phenytoin may interact with other drugs, so notifying the provider is essential to avoid potential interactions.

B. "I have made an appointment to see my dentist next week."

This statement indicates that the client understands the importance of dental care while taking phenytoin. Phenytoin can cause gum overgrowth (gingival hyperplasia), so regular dental check-ups are recommended to monitor oral health. This statement is correct.

C. "I will take this medication with meals."

This statement suggests that the client plans to take phenytoin with meals. However, phenytoin should generally be taken on an empty stomach to enhance absorption, unless gastrointestinal upset occurs. Therefore, this statement indicates a need for further teaching.

D. "I'll be glad when my seizures stop so I can quit taking this medicine."

This statement reflects a misconception about the management of epilepsy. Phenytoin is typically used as a long-term treatment to prevent seizures, not as a short-term solution to stop seizures. Therefore, this statement indicates a need for further education about the chronic nature of epilepsy and the need for ongoing medication adherence.

E. “I’ll take this medication before meals.”

This statement correctly indicates the timing of phenytoin administration before meals. Taking phenytoin before meals helps enhance absorption and minimize the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Therefore, this statement is correct.