The elderly client is prescribed phenobarbital for seizure control. What is most important intervention for the nurse to add to the client's care plan?
1. Monitor for signs of electrolyte imbalance.
2. Assess respiratory rate and depth every hour.
3. Track nutritional intake.
4. Measure and record all fluid intake and output.
Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Barbiturates do not affect electrolyte balance.
Rationale 2: Elderly clients are at risk for cumulative effects of barbiturates due to diminished hepatic and renal function.
Rationale 3: Nutritional status is important with elderly clients but is not the primary concern.
Rationale 4: Alteration of fluid balance is not a side effect of barbiturates.
Global Rationale: Elderly clients are at risk for cumulative effects of barbiturates due to diminished hepatic and renal function. Barbiturates do not affect electrolyte balance. Nutritional status is important with elderly clients but is not the primary concern. Alteration of fluid balance is not a side effect of barbiturates.
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