A nurse is caring for a client with seizure disorders who is ...

[fagboi]

A nurse is caring for a client with seizure disorders who is admitted to the health care facility. The client is prescribed phenytoin. During therapy, which of the following would be most important for the nurse to include in the ongoing assessment??
 
  A) Check the client's temperature every 3 to 4 hours.
  B) Obtain serum plasma drug levels regularly.
  C) Assess the client's respiratory rate.
  D) Evaluate the client's pulse rate and rhythm.

Question 2

A client with partial seizures has been prescribed a succinimide anticonvulsant. The client complains of GI upset after taking the drug. The nurse would suggest taking the drug in which manner?
 
  A) Daily at bedtime
  B) Immediately before eating a meal
  C) With some food or milk
  D) First thing in the morning on arising

[Ahnyah]

Answer to Question 1

Ans: B
Feedback:
Although vital signs such as temperature, pulse rate and rhythm, and respiratory rate are commonly assessed routinely, it would be most important for the nurse to obtain serum plasma drug levels to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy and also to prevent possible toxicity. Unless the client's vital signs are not within normal parameters, the nurse would monitor them based on the facility's policy.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: C
Feedback:
If the client experiences GI upset after succinimide administration, the nurse should instruct the client to take the drug with food or milk. The nurse need not instruct the client to take the drug once only at bedtime, before meals, or immediately on arising in the morning.

[fagboi]

Thank you!

[Ahnyah]

Always glad to help...