A client complains of gingival hypertrophy and weight loss. The nurse knows that this patient has a history of absence seizures. What drug is most likely responsible for the client's pathophysiological process?

Question

1. Phenytoin (Dilantin)
2. Ethosuximide (Zarontin)
3. Phenobarbital (Luminal)
4. Methsuximide(Celontin)

Answer 1

2

Rationale 1: Phenytoin (Dilantin) is not used for absence seizures.
Rationale 2: Ethosuximide (Zarontin) causes gingival hypertrophy, and the weight loss is due to mouth pain and the client's unwillingness to eat.
Rationale 3:Phenobarbital (Luminal) side effects include drowsiness, vitamin deficiencies, and laryngospasms.
Rationale 4:Methsuximide (Celontin) side effects include drowsiness, blurred vision, and increased risk for suicidal thoughts

Global Rationale: Ethosuximide (Zarontin) causes gingival hypertrophy, and the weight loss is due to mouth pain and the client's unwillingness to eat. Methsuximide (Celontin) is another succinimide but has side effects of dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, and increased risk for suicidal thoughts. Phenytoin (Dilantin) is not used for absence seizures.