Reduction of Risk PotentialQuestion 583 of 2368
A client taking phenytoin develops new confusion and slurred speech. Which action should the nurse take?
- Give the next dose and recheck the client in the morning
- Stop the medication abruptly
- Encourage fluids and reassess next shift
- Ask that a serum phenytoin level be checked immediately
Show answer
Correct answer: Ask that a serum phenytoin level be checked immediately
Levels above the therapeutic range can cause confusion. The level should be checked at the first sign of toxicity.
Source: Nursing Pharmacology, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Central Nervous System: Phenytoin. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Reduction of Risk Potential"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026