Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 90%
Simulated
A nurse is assessing a client after administering phenytoin IV bolus for a seizure. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an adverse effect of this medication?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct answer is B: Hypotension. Phenytoin IV bolus can cause hypotension due to its vasodilatory effects. This is because phenytoin can relax smooth muscle in blood vessels, leading to a drop in blood pressure. Red man syndrome (choice A) is associated with vancomycin, not phenytoin. Hypoglycemia (choice C) and bradycardia (choice D) are not common adverse effects of phenytoin.