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Anticonvulsant Medications
Anticonvulsant Medications ( 6 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client who has been prescribed phenytoin for seizure prevention. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects of phenytoin?
The nurse should monitor the client for gingival hyperplasia, which is an overgrowth of the gums that can occur as an adverse effect of phenytoin¹². Gingival hyperplasia can cause bleeding, inflammation, and infection of the gums, and may interfere with chewing and oral hygiene¹². The nurse should advise the client to brush and floss their teeth regularly, and to see a dentist for regular check-ups and cleaning¹².
Choice B is wrong because hypertension, or high blood pressure, is not a common or serious adverse effect of phenytoin¹³. Phenytoin may actually lower blood pressure in some cases, especially when given intravenously¹⁴. The nurse should monitor the client's blood pressure before and during phenytoin therapy, and report any significant changes to the prescriber¹⁴.
Choice C is wrong because diarrhea is not a common or serious adverse effect of phenytoin¹³. Phenytoin may cause constipation in some people, which can be relieved by increasing fluid and fiber intake, and using laxatives if needed¹⁵. The nurse should ask the client about their bowel habits and provide appropriate interventions as needed¹⁵.
Choice D is wrong because tachycardia, or fast heart rate, is not a common or serious adverse effect of phenytoin¹³. Phenytoin may cause bradycardia, or slow heart rate, in some cases, especially when given intravenously or in high doses¹⁴. The nurse should monitor the client's heart rate and rhythm before and during phenytoin therapy, and report any significant changes to the prescriber¹⁴.
The nurse should monitor the client for gingival hyperplasia, which is an overgrowth of the gums that can occur as an adverse effect of phenytoin¹². Gingival hyperplasia can cause bleeding, inflammation, and infection of the gums, and may interfere with chewing and oral hygiene¹². The nurse should advise the client to brush and floss their teeth regularly, and to see a dentist for regular check-ups and cleaning¹².
Choice B is wrong because hypertension, or high blood pressure, is not a common or serious adverse effect of phenytoin¹³. Phenytoin may actually lower blood pressure in some cases, especially when given intravenously¹⁴. The nurse should monitor the client's blood pressure before and during phenytoin therapy, and report any significant changes to the prescriber¹⁴.
Choice C is wrong because diarrhea is not a common or serious adverse effect of phenytoin¹³. Phenytoin may cause constipation in some people, which can be relieved by increasing fluid and fiber intake, and using laxatives if needed¹⁵. The nurse should ask the client about their bowel habits and provide appropriate interventions as needed¹⁵.
Choice D is wrong because tachycardia, or fast heart rate, is not a common or serious adverse effect of phenytoin¹³. Phenytoin may cause bradycardia, or slow heart rate, in some cases, especially when given intravenously or in high doses¹⁴. The nurse should monitor the client's heart rate and rhythm before and during phenytoin therapy, and report any significant changes to the prescriber¹⁴.
