Which of the following symptoms would you expect to a client with a phenytoin level of 35 mg/dL?
A. Ataxia
B. Potassium deficit
C. Neglect syndrome
D. Tetraplegia
Correct Answer: A. Ataxia
A therapeutic phenytoin level is 10 to 20 mg/dl. A level of 35 mg/dl signifies toxicity. Symptoms of this level of concentration include ataxia, tremor, slurred speech, nausea, and vomiting.
Options B, C, & D: Phenytoin does not cause hypokalemia, neglect syndrome (client unaware of the existence of his or her paralyzed side), or tetraplegia (paralysis of all four extremities).