Final answer:
Teaching a client about phenytoin, the nurse should include a decrease in white blood cell count as a possible adverse effect, which leads to an increased risk of infection. Regular blood cell monitoring is necessary to manage this risk. Liver toxicity, physical dependence, or diarrhea are not common adverse effects associated with phenytoin.
Step-by-step explanation:
When teaching a client about the anticonvulsant medication phenytoin, it is important for the nurse to mention possible adverse effects that the patient may experience. One known adverse effect is a decrease in white blood cell count, which can lead to immunosuppression and increased susceptibility to infections. Patients should be informed that phenytoin can also cause damage to bone marrow and other tissues, potentially leading to internal bleeding. It is crucial to monitor the patient's blood cell levels regularly to manage these risks.
Phenytoin does not typically cause physical dependence, liver toxicity, or diarrhea directly, and these are not known as common adverse effects of the drug. Therefore, when providing education on phenytoin, the nurse should focus more on the potential hematologic side effects that can occur, such as the decrease in white blood cell count.
It must be noted that while phenytoin can cause dizziness, fever, chills, and other systemic symptoms, its impact on the white blood cell count is a particularly significant concern, as it compromises the body's ability to fight off infections.