The client with epilepsy is taking the prescribed dose of phenytoin (Dilantin) to control seizures. Results of a phenytoin blood level study reveal a level of 35 mcg/ml. Which of the following symptoms would be expected as a result of this laboratory result?
- A. Nystagmus
- B. No symptoms, because this is normal
- C. Tachycardia therapeutic level
- D. Slurred speech
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Nystagmus. A phenytoin blood level of 35 mcg/ml is above the therapeutic range (usually 10-20 mcg/ml). Excessive levels can lead to symptoms such as nystagmus, which is an involuntary eye movement commonly seen with phenytoin toxicity. Nystagmus is a known side effect of phenytoin overdose. Choices B and C are incorrect because a level of 35 mcg/ml is not within the normal therapeutic range, so symptoms would be expected. Choice D, Slurred speech, is not typically associated with phenytoin toxicity.
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Arthur, a 66-year old client for pneumonia has a temperature ranging from 39° to 40° C with periods of diaphoresis. Which of the following interventions by Nurse Carlos would be a priority?
- A. Administer oxygen therapy
- B. provide frequent linen changes
- C. provide fluid intake 3L/day
- D. maintain complete bed rest
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer oxygen therapy. This is the priority intervention because a high temperature and diaphoresis indicate potential respiratory distress. Oxygen therapy can help improve oxygenation and support respiratory function. Providing frequent linen changes (B) is important for hygiene but not the priority. Fluid intake (C) is essential but not as urgent as addressing respiratory distress. Maintaining complete bed rest (D) may be necessary but addressing oxygenation takes precedence in this case.
A patient expresses fear of going home and being alone. Vital signs are stable and the incision is nearly completely healed. What can the nurse infer from the subjective data?
- A. The patient can now perform the dressing changes without help.
- B. The patient can begin retaking all of the previous medications.
- C. The patient is apprehensive about discharge.
- D. The patient’s surgery was not successful.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: The patient is apprehensive about discharge. This is the correct answer because the patient's fear of going home and being alone indicates apprehension about discharge, which is a common feeling among patients transitioning from the hospital to home care. This subjective data suggests that the patient may need additional support and education prior to discharge to address their fears and concerns.
A: The patient can now perform the dressing changes without help - This is incorrect because the patient's fear of going home and being alone does not necessarily indicate their ability to perform dressing changes independently.
B: The patient can begin retaking all of the previous medications - This is incorrect as the fear expressed by the patient is related to being alone at home, not to medication management.
D: The patient’s surgery was not successful - This is incorrect as there is no indication in the subjective data provided that the surgery was not successful.
The nurse is assessing a client with multiple myeloma. The nurse should keep in mind that clients with multiple myeloma are at risk for:
- A. Chronic liver failure.
- B. Pathologic bone fractures.
- C. Acute heart failure.
- D. Hypoxemia.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pathologic bone fractures. In multiple myeloma, there is an increase in osteoclast activity leading to bone destruction, making patients prone to pathologic fractures. Chronic liver failure (A), acute heart failure (C), and hypoxemia (D) are not directly associated with multiple myeloma pathophysiology. This highlights the importance of understanding the disease process to determine the correct answer.
The Glasgow coma scale is used to .evaluate the level of consciousness in the neurological and neurological patients. The three assessment factors included in this scale are:
- A. pupil size, response to pain, motor responses
- B. Pupil size, verbal response, motor response
- C. Eye opening, verbal response, motor response
- D. Eye opening, response to pain, motor response J.E, is an 18-year old freshman admitted to the ICU following a motor vehicle accident in which he sustained multiple trauma including a ruptured spleen, myocardial contusion, fractured pelvis, and fractured right femur. He had a mild contusion, but is alert and oriented. His vital signs BP 120/80, pulse 84, respirations 12, and temperature 99 F orally.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Eye opening, verbal response, motor response. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) assesses the level of consciousness by evaluating these three factors. Eye opening assesses the patient's ability to open their eyes spontaneously or in response to stimuli. Verbal response evaluates the patient's ability to speak or respond to verbal stimuli. Motor response assesses the patient's motor function by testing responses to commands or painful stimuli. Choice A is incorrect because it includes "response to pain" instead of "verbal response." Choice B is incorrect because it includes "verbal response" instead of "eye opening." Choice D is incorrect because it includes "eye opening" instead of "verbal response." In summary, the GCS evaluates eye opening, verbal response, and motor response to determine the level of consciousness in patients.
Which of the following nursing actions is appropriate when a patient returns to his or her room after a bronchoscopy?
- A. Order a meal because the patient has been nil per os (NPO) for 8 hours.
- B. Encourage fluids to flush dye from the patient’s system.
- C. Monitor the patient for return to consciousness.
- D. Check for a gag reflex before allowing the patient to drink.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D - Check for a gag reflex before allowing the patient to drink. This is important after a bronchoscopy to prevent aspiration. Step 1: Assessing gag reflex ensures the patient can protect their airway. Step 2: Aspiration risk is high post-bronchoscopy due to sedation and possible throat numbness. Step 3: Allowing fluids without confirming gag reflex can lead to aspiration pneumonia. Other choices are incorrect. A: Ordering a meal immediately is inappropriate after NPO period. B: Encouraging fluids without assessing gag reflex may lead to aspiration. C: Monitoring consciousness is important but not directly related to post-bronchoscopy care.