, NU 170 Exam 4 – Maternal-Child Nursing
(2026) | Galen College of Nursing | Actual
Exam Questions & Verified Answers with
Detailed Rationales | Latest Study Guide |
A+ Graded
Q1. A patient is prescribed phenytoin (Dilantin) for
seizure control. Which side effect should the nurse
monitor for?
A) Gingival hyperplasia
B) Nystagmus
C) Ataxia
D) All of the above
Correct Answer: D. All of the above
Rationale: Phenytoin can cause gingival hyperplasia
(overgrowth of gum tissue), nystagmus (involuntary eye
movement), and ataxia (lack of coordination). Serum
levels should be monitored.
,Q2. A patient is prescribed phenytoin. Which teaching is
appropriate?
A) "Take this medication at the same time each day."
B) "Do not stop this medication abruptly."
C) "Report signs of toxicity (nystagmus, ataxia)."
D) "All of the above."
Correct Answer: D. "All of the above."
Rationale: Phenytoin should be taken consistently, not
stopped abruptly, and signs of toxicity should be
reported. Good oral hygiene is important to prevent
gingival hyperplasia.
Q3. A patient is prescribed valproic acid (Depakote) for
seizure control. Which lab value should the nurse
monitor?
A) Liver function tests (AST, ALT)
B) Ammonia levels
C) Platelet count
D) All of the above
, Correct Answer: D. All of the above
Rationale: Valproic acid can cause hepatotoxicity
(monitor LFTs), hyperammonemia, and
thrombocytopenia. Serum levels should be monitored.
Q4. A patient is prescribed valproic acid and reports
severe abdominal pain. The nurse should suspect:
A) GI upset
B) Pancreatitis
C) Cholecystitis
D) Peptic ulcer disease
Correct Answer: B. Pancreatitis
Rationale: Severe abdominal pain is a sign of pancreatitis,
a serious side effect of valproic acid. The provider should
be notified immediately.
(2026) | Galen College of Nursing | Actual
Exam Questions & Verified Answers with
Detailed Rationales | Latest Study Guide |
A+ Graded
Q1. A patient is prescribed phenytoin (Dilantin) for
seizure control. Which side effect should the nurse
monitor for?
A) Gingival hyperplasia
B) Nystagmus
C) Ataxia
D) All of the above
Correct Answer: D. All of the above
Rationale: Phenytoin can cause gingival hyperplasia
(overgrowth of gum tissue), nystagmus (involuntary eye
movement), and ataxia (lack of coordination). Serum
levels should be monitored.
,Q2. A patient is prescribed phenytoin. Which teaching is
appropriate?
A) "Take this medication at the same time each day."
B) "Do not stop this medication abruptly."
C) "Report signs of toxicity (nystagmus, ataxia)."
D) "All of the above."
Correct Answer: D. "All of the above."
Rationale: Phenytoin should be taken consistently, not
stopped abruptly, and signs of toxicity should be
reported. Good oral hygiene is important to prevent
gingival hyperplasia.
Q3. A patient is prescribed valproic acid (Depakote) for
seizure control. Which lab value should the nurse
monitor?
A) Liver function tests (AST, ALT)
B) Ammonia levels
C) Platelet count
D) All of the above
, Correct Answer: D. All of the above
Rationale: Valproic acid can cause hepatotoxicity
(monitor LFTs), hyperammonemia, and
thrombocytopenia. Serum levels should be monitored.
Q4. A patient is prescribed valproic acid and reports
severe abdominal pain. The nurse should suspect:
A) GI upset
B) Pancreatitis
C) Cholecystitis
D) Peptic ulcer disease
Correct Answer: B. Pancreatitis
Rationale: Severe abdominal pain is a sign of pancreatitis,
a serious side effect of valproic acid. The provider should
be notified immediately.
