Summary
Summary ( 14 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client who has been prescribed phenobarbital (Luminal) for status epilepticus. The nurse should monitor the client for which adverse effect of this drug?¹
This is because phenobarbital, a medication used to treat seizures, can cause serious side effects on the respiratory system, such as weak or shallow breathing, apnea, respiratory arrest, and death². Respiratory depression is more likely to occur in patients who are elderly, debilitated, or have underlying lung disease². The nurse should monitor the patient's respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and level of consciousness, and be prepared to administer oxygen or mechanical ventilation if needed³.
Choice B is wrong because hyperglycemia is not a common or serious adverse effect of phenobarbital. Phenobarbital does not affect blood glucose levels directly, but it may interfere with the metabolism of some oral antidiabetic drugs, such as sulfonylureas. Therefore, patients who take both phenobarbital and antidiabetic drugs may need to adjust their doses or monitor their blood glucose more frequently.
Choice C is wrong because hypertension is not a common or serious adverse effect of phenobarbital. Phenobarbital may cause hypotension or orthostatic hypotension in some patients, especially when given intravenously or in high doses². The nurse should monitor the patient's blood pressure and heart rate, and avoid sudden changes in position³.
Choice D is wrong because insomnia is not a common or serious adverse effect of phenobarbital. Phenobarbital is a barbiturate that has sedative and hypnotic properties. It may cause drowsiness, dizziness, lethargy, and impaired cognition in some patients². The nurse should advise the patient to avoid driving or operating machinery while taking phenobarbital and to avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants³.
This is because phenobarbital, a medication used to treat seizures, can cause serious side effects on the respiratory system, such as weak or shallow breathing, apnea, respiratory arrest, and death². Respiratory depression is more likely to occur in patients who are elderly, debilitated, or have underlying lung disease². The nurse should monitor the patient's respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and level of consciousness, and be prepared to administer oxygen or mechanical ventilation if needed³.
Choice B is wrong because hyperglycemia is not a common or serious adverse effect of phenobarbital. Phenobarbital does not affect blood glucose levels directly, but it may interfere with the metabolism of some oral antidiabetic drugs, such as sulfonylureas. Therefore, patients who take both phenobarbital and antidiabetic drugs may need to adjust their doses or monitor their blood glucose more frequently.
Choice C is wrong because hypertension is not a common or serious adverse effect of phenobarbital. Phenobarbital may cause hypotension or orthostatic hypotension in some patients, especially when given intravenously or in high doses². The nurse should monitor the patient's blood pressure and heart rate, and avoid sudden changes in position³.
Choice D is wrong because insomnia is not a common or serious adverse effect of phenobarbital. Phenobarbital is a barbiturate that has sedative and hypnotic properties. It may cause drowsiness, dizziness, lethargy, and impaired cognition in some patients². The nurse should advise the patient to avoid driving or operating machinery while taking phenobarbital, and to avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants³.