« previous next »

Author Question: A client has a brain abscess and is receiving phenytoin (Dilantin). The spouse questions the use of ... (Read 166 times)

CharlieWard

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 578
on: Jun 25, 2018
A client has a brain abscess and is receiving phenytoin (Dilantin). The spouse questions the use of the drug, saying the client does not have a seizure disorder. What response by the nurse is best?
 
  a. Increased pressure from the abscess can cause seizures.
  b. Preventing febrile seizures with an abscess is important.
  c. Seizures always occur in clients with brain abscesses.
  d. This drug is used to sedate the client with an abscess.

Question 2

A client in the intensive care unit is scheduled for a lumbar puncture (LP) today. On assessment, the nurse finds the client breathing irregularly with one pupil fixed and dilated. What action by the nurse is best?
 
  a. Ensure that informed consent is on the chart.
  b. Document these findings in the client's record.
  c. Give the prescribed preprocedure sedation.
  d. Notify the provider of the findings immediately.


jaygar71

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 323
Reply #1 on: Jun 25, 2018
Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Brain abscesses can lead to seizures as a complication. The nurse should explain this to the spouse. Phenytoin is not used to prevent febrile seizures. Seizures are possible but do not always occur in clients with brain abscesses. This drug is not used for sedation.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
This client is exhibiting signs of increased intracranial pressure. The nurse should notify the provider immediately because performing the LP now could lead to herniation. Informed consent is needed for an LP, but this is not the priority. Documentation should be thorough, but again this is not the priority. The preprocedure sedation (or other preprocedure medications) should not be given as the LP will most likely be canceled.


Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
« previous next »
 

Did you know?

Many medications that are used to treat infertility are injected subcutaneously. This is easy to do using the anterior abdomen as the site of injection but avoiding the area directly around the belly button.

Did you know?

Pregnant women usually experience a heightened sense of smell beginning late in the first trimester. Some experts call this the body's way of protecting a pregnant woman from foods that are unsafe for the fetus.

Did you know?

There are more sensory neurons in the tongue than in any other part of the body.

Did you know?

Famous people who died from poisoning or drug overdose include, Adolf Hitler, Socrates, Juan Ponce de Leon, Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland, and John Belushi.

Did you know?

The liver is the only organ that has the ability to regenerate itself after certain types of damage. As much as 25% of the liver can be removed, and it will still regenerate back to its original shape and size. However, the liver cannot regenerate after severe damage caused by alcohol.

The Locations and Functions of the Cerebral Lobes, Diencephalon, Cerebellum, and Brain Stem The Locations and Functions of the Cerebral Lobes, Diencephalon, Cerebellum, and Brain Stem
Major structures of the brain. Major structures of the brain.
Brain Brain
(A) Unwrap each of the layers until the client is covered by just the plastic sheet and the towels ... (A) Unwrap each of the layers until the client is covered by just the plastic sheet and the towels ...
Measuring the client’s height with a platform scale Measuring the client’s height with a platform scale
The central nervous system is composed of the brain and the spinal cord The central nervous system is composed of the brain and the spinal cord
Video: Medullary osmotic gradient: countercurrent multiplier, urea recycling & vasa recta countercurrent exchange

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library