Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 91%
Full-length
The home health nurse reviews the serum laboratory test results for a client with seizures. The phenytoin level is 27 mcg/mL. The client makes which statement that may indicate the presence of dose-related drug toxicity and prompt the nurse to notify the supervisory registered nurse?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
A phenytoin level of 27 mcg/mL is above the therapeutic range (10-20 mcg/mL), indicating potential toxicity. Unsteadiness when walking suggests neurological toxicity, such as ataxia, which requires immediate reporting. Nocturia, metallic taste, and gingival hyperplasia are less urgent or unrelated.