The child with seizure disorder is being treated with phenytoin (Dilantin). Which of the following statements by the patient's mother indicates to the nurse that the patient is experiencing a side effect of Dilantin therapy?
- A. She is very irritable lately.
- B. She sleeps quite a bit of the time.
- C. Her gums look too big for her teeth.
- D. She has gained about 10 pounds in the last six months.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Gingival hyperplasia is a common side effect of phenytoin therapy.
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A client has a tentative diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. The nurse recognizes that myasthenia gravis involves:
- A. Loss of the myelin sheath in portions of the brain and spinal cord
- B. An interruption in the transmission of impulses from nerve endings to muscles
- C. Progressive weakness and loss of sensation that begins in the lower extremities
- D. Loss of coordination and stiff 'cogwheel' rigidity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder causing impaired nerve-to-muscle communication, leading to muscle weakness, particularly in voluntary muscles.
A client with paranoid schizophrenia has an order for Thorazine (chlorpromazine) 400 mg orally twice daily. Which of the following symptoms should be reported to the physician immediately?
- A. Fever, sore throat, weakness
- B. Dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision
- C. Lethargy, slurred speech, thirst
- D. Fatigue, drowsiness, photosensitivity
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Fever, sore throat, and weakness may indicate agranulocytosis, a serious side effect of chlorpromazine requiring immediate reporting.
Which of the following is a characteristic of an ominous periodic change in the fetal heart rate?
- A. A fetal heart rate of 120-130 bpm
- B. A baseline variability of 6-10 bpm
- C. Accelerations in FHR with fetal movement
- D. A recurrent rate of 90-100 bpm at the end of the contractions.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A recurrent fetal heart rate of 90-100 bpm at contraction ends indicates severe distress, an ominous sign.
A client with vaginal cancer is being treated with a radioactive vaginal implant. The client's husband asks the nurse if he can spend the night with his wife. The nurse should explain that:
- A. Overnight stays by family members is against hospital policy.
- B. There is no need for him to stay because staffing is adequate.
- C. His wife will rest much better knowing that he is at home.
- D. Visitation is limited to 30 minutes when the implant is in place.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Radiation safety protocols limit visitation to short periods (e.g., 30 minutes) to minimize exposure to radioactive implants.
A priority nursing diagnosis for a child being admitted from surgery following a tonsillectomy is:
- A. Altered nutrition
- B. Impaired communication
- C. Risk for injury/aspiration
- D. Altered urinary elimination
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Post-tonsillectomy, the risk of bleeding and aspiration is a priority due to the surgical site in the throat.
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