NURS 431 CNS/PNS PRACTICE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

NURS 431 CNS/PNS PRACTICE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 1. A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for dantrolene to treat skeletal muscle spasms. The nurse should instruct the client to report which of the following adverse effects? a. Slow heart rate b. Cough c. Diarrhea d. Hearing loss Answer: C. Diarrhea. Rationale: Prolonged diarrhea can cause dehydration and other serious effects. Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting are adverse effects of dantrolene. The client should report these effects so the nurse can monitor fluid balance and intervene accordingly. 2. A nurse is providing teaching for a client who has a new prescription for valproic acid to treat a seizure disorder. The nurse should instruct the client to monitor for which of the following adverse effects? a. Hirsutism b. Depression c. Jaundice d. Gum irritation Answer: C. Jaundice Rationale: Valproic acid can cause hepatotoxicity, characterized by jaundice, abdominal pain, and nausea. Clients taking the drug should report these manifestations, and the nurse should monitor liver function studies prior to treatment and periodically during therapy. 3. A nurse is teaching a client who is taking levodopa/carbidopa to treat Parkinson’s disease. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include? a. Change position slowly to prevent orthostatic hypotension. b. Eat a high-protein snack to increase absorption. c. Take the drug at bedtime to avoid daytime drowsiness. d. Expect eye twitching to develop with long-term therapy.