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The Principles of Anticonvulsant Therapy.
The Principles of Anticonvulsant Therapy. ( 4 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client who has been prescribed phenytoin (Dilantin) for seizure control. The nurse should monitor the client for which adverse effect of this drug?
The nurse should monitor the client for gingival hyperplasia, which is an overgrowth of the gums, as an adverse effect of phenytoin. 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, use a soft toothbrush, and visit a dentist every 3 to 4 months²³.
The nurse should monitor the client for gingival hyperplasia, which is an overgrowth of the gums, as an adverse effect of phenytoin. 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, use a soft toothbrush, and visit a dentist every 3 to 4 months²³.
The nurse should monitor the client for gingival hyperplasia, which is an overgrowth of the gums, as an adverse effect of phenytoin. 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, use a soft toothbrush, and visit a dentist every 3 to 4 months²³.
The nurse should monitor the client for gingival hyperplasia, which is an overgrowth of the gums, as an adverse effect of phenytoin. 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, use a soft toothbrush, and visit a dentist every 3 to 4 months²³.
The nurse should monitor the client for gingival hyperplasia, which is an overgrowth of the gums, as an adverse effect of phenytoin. 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, use a soft toothbrush, and visit a dentist every 3 to 4 months²³.
Choice A is wrong because hypertension is not an adverse effect of phenytoin. Phenytoin can cause hypotension, especially when given intravenously at a high rate or in large doses⁴⁵. The nurse should monitor the client's blood pressure and heart rate and inject the medication slowly over at least 3 minutes⁵.
Choice C is wrong because diarrhea is not an adverse effect of phenytoin. Phenytoin can cause constipation, especially in elderly clients or those with reduced mobility . The nurse should encourage the client to drink plenty of fluids, eat high-fiber foods, and exercise regularly to prevent constipation.
Choice D is wrong because tachycardia is not an adverse effect of phenytoin. Phenytoin can cause bradycardia, especially when given intravenously at a high rate or in large doses⁴⁵. The nurse should monitor the client's heart rate and rhythm and inject the medication slowly over at least 3 minutes⁵.