A patient is taking phenytoin to prevent seizures. The nurse knows that phenytoin is highly protein-bound and has sedative side effects. The nurse reviews the patient's chart and notes a low serum albumin
The nurse will notify the provider and observe the patient for which effects?
a. Decreased sedative effects
b. Increased sedative effects
c. Increased seizures
d. No change in effects
ANS: B
Phenytoin is protein-bound. When patients have a low serum albumin, there are fewer protein-binding sites, leaving more free drug in the system. The nurse should expect an increase in sedative side effects.
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