An elderly patient is maintained on phenytoin therapy for a history of a seizure
disorder. In addition to periodic serum drug concentrations, which of the
following are needed for annual evaluation? Answer - Complete blood count,
liver function tests, and platelet count
An elderly patient has had a CVA in the anterior cerebral circulatory system
(frontal lobe). What symptoms are most likely expressed? Answer - Disorders
of behavior and cognition
When assessing a patient who complains of a tremor, the nurse practitioner
must differentiate essential tremor from the tremor of Parkinson's disease.
Which of the following findings are consistent with essential tremor? Answer -
The tremor occurs with purposeful movements
An older adult client with a history of a seizure disorder comes into the clinic
for a routine check-up. Although seizure free, the client continues on long-term
phenytoin treatment. The nurse practitioner would assess for which of the
following long-term effects? Answer - Gingival hyperplasia and nystagmus
The most common neurological cause of seizures in an older adult is: Answer -
Stroke
Mr. Andrews experienced a brief onset of right-sided weakness, slurred speech,
and confusion yesterday. The symptoms have resolved. What should the nurse
practitioner do? Answer - Do a thorough medication review and a CT scan