What serious side effect should the nurse monitor for in a client taking lamotrigine?

When caring for a client taking lamotrigine, it is essential for the nurse to monitor for skin blistering, which is indicative of a serious side effect known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). Lamotrigine is an anticonvulsant medication frequently used to manage seizures and mood stabilization in bipolar disorder, but it carries the risk of severe dermatologic reactions.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by extensive skin detachment, painful blistering, and mucosal lesions. Early symptoms can include flu-like signs, followed by rapid progression to skin involvement. As such, immediate recognition and management are critical to minimize complications, including possible hospitalization or discontinuation of the drug.

While the other options may present as side effects or symptoms associated with various medications, they do not carry the same level of risk for serious complications as skin blistering does in the context of lamotrigine therapy. Monitoring for signs of skin blistering is paramount to ensuring patient safety and responding promptly to any signs of this severe reaction.