A patient who is taking phenytoin (Dilantin) for a newly diagnosed seizure disorder calls the primary care NP to report a rash. The NP should:
a. order a phenytoin level.
b. reassure the patient that this is a self-limiting adverse effect.
c. recommend that the patient take diphenhydramine to treat this side effect.
d. tell the patient to stop taking the phenytoin and contact the neurologist immediately.
D
Phenytoin should be discontinued if skin rash appears because some rashes can be life-threatening. Rashes are not related to serum drug levels, so a phenytoin level is not indicated. Although some rashes are self-limiting, the patient should stop taking the drug until serious rashes are ruled out. Suggesting diphenhydramine is not correct until the severity of the rash is known.
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When a patient arrives in the emergency department with a sucking wound to the left chest, the nurse should:
a. place several layers of gauze dressing over the wound. b. place the patient in a supine position. c. cover the wound with an airtight dressing taped on three sides. d. turn the patient to the left side.
The nurse understands that offering chaplain services in the acute care facility supports which healing concept?
A) Cure for disease B) Relief for the hopeless C) Spiritual healing D) Body cleansing
The nurse is providing care to a client who has been prescribed a beta blocker. Which item in the client's history does the nurse suspect this medication has been prescribed to treat?
1. Increased intraocular pressure 2. Urinary retention 3. Hypertension 4. Hypotension
MC Considering the following methods, the most accurate one for checking nasogastric tube placement is to
A. Aspirate secretions and check the pH. B. Listen for rush of air, using stethoscope over stomach while injecting air through nasogastric tube. C. Check for CO2 at the tube tip (capnography) D. Note that the client is not coughing.