A patient receiving phenytoin through an intravenous line develops nystagmus and unsteady gait. Which interpretation is most appropriate?
Correct answer: A. Possible phenytoin toxicity requiring review
- A. Possible phenytoin toxicity requiring review
- B. Expected improvement in seizure control
- C. Evidence of bacterial meningitis
- D. A normal response to intravenous fluid
Explanation
Nystagmus and ataxia are recognised signs of phenytoin toxicity and require prompt clinical review, including assessment of the drug level when indicated. They are not expected signs of effective treatment or bacterial meningitis.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? support@testustad.com
About Neurological Nursing
Covers nursing assessment and management of stroke, epilepsy, meningitis, raised intracranial pressure, head injury, spinal cord disorders, Parkinson disease and multiple sclerosis. Key areas include level of consciousness, pupil responses, motor and sensory findings, seizure precautions and distinguishing upper motor neuron from lower motor neuron signs.
Practise Neurological Nursing
50 free Neurological Nursing MCQs from Medical Surgical Nursing, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Medical Surgical Nursing questions like this
Medical Surgical Nursing is on 8 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
More Neurological Nursing questions
A patient arrives with sudden unilateral weakness and difficulty speaking. Which investigation is generally needed before treatment with an antiplatelet drug is started?
A patient with an acute spinal cord injury has flaccid paralysis and absent reflexes below the level of injury during the early period after trauma. Which condition does this finding suggest?
A patient with suspected raised intracranial pressure becomes restless and reports worsening headache. Which nursing action best helps prevent further increases in intracranial pressure?
A patient with Parkinson disease reports dizziness when standing from a chair. Which instruction is most appropriate?
A patient with multiple sclerosis develops increased leg weakness during a febrile urinary infection, but the weakness improves after the fever is treated. How should the nurse interpret this change?
Which nursing intervention is appropriate for a patient with reduced consciousness who has an intact gag reflex but cannot manage oral secretions effectively?