Summary
Summary ( 14 Questions)
A client is prescribed ethosuximide (Zarontin) for absence seizures. The nurse should instruct the client to report which adverse effect?¹
Choice A is wrong because blurred vision is not a common side effect of ethosuximide. Ethosuximide is not known to affect vision or eye health¹.
Choice B is wrong because gingival hyperplasia is not a common side effect of ethosuximide. Ethosuximide is not known to cause overgrowth of the gums or dental problems¹. Gingival hyperplasia is more commonly associated with other anticonvulsants, such as phenytoin (Dilantin)².
Skin rash is an adverse effect of ethosuximide (Zarontin) that should be reported to the provider¹. Ethosuximide can cause allergic reactions, such as hives, itching, and skin rash, in some people¹. A skin rash may indicate a serious condition, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis, which can be life-threatening¹.
Choice D is wrong because constipation is not a common side effect of ethosuximide. Ethosuximide may cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and loss of appetite, but not constipation¹³. Constipation is more commonly associated with other anticonvulsants, such as carbamazepine (Tegretol)⁴.
Skin rash is an adverse effect of ethosuximide (Zarontin) that should be reported to the provider¹. Ethosuximide can cause allergic reactions, such as hives, itching, and skin rash, in some people¹. A skin rash may indicate a serious condition, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis, which can be life-threatening¹.
Choice A is wrong because blurred vision is not a common side effect of ethosuximide. Ethosuximide is not known to affect vision or eye health¹.
Choice B is wrong because gingival hyperplasia is not a common side effect of ethosuximide. Ethosuximide is not known to cause overgrowth of the gums or dental problems¹. Gingival hyperplasia is more commonly associated with other anticonvulsants, such as phenytoin (Dilantin)².
Choice D is wrong because constipation is not a common side effect of ethosuximide. Ethosuximide may cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and loss of appetite, but not constipation¹³. Constipation is more commonly associated with other anticonvulsants, such as carbamazepine (Tegretol)⁴.