A charge nurse is teaching a group of nurses about the antagonist action of medications. The nurse should include in the teaching that which of the following antagonist medications is used for benzodiazepines?

A. Hold the injection if seizure activity is present:

This is incorrect. Phenytoin is an antiepileptic medication used to prevent seizures. If a client with a seizure disorder is experiencing seizure activity, it is essential to administer phenytoin promptly to help control and prevent further seizures.

B. Administer the medication at 100 mg/min:

This is incorrect. Phenytoin should be administered at a rate no faster than 50 mg/min to reduce the risk of adverse effects such as hypotension, arrhythmias, and cardiovascular collapse. Rapid infusion can cause adverse reactions such as hypotension, bradycardia, and cardiac arrhythmias.

C. Dilute the medication with dextrose 5% in water:

This is incorrect. Phenytoin should not be diluted with dextrose-containing solutions, as it can cause precipitation and result in clogging of the IV line. It is typically administered undiluted or diluted with normal saline solution.

D. Administer a saline solution after injection:

This is the correct action. After administering phenytoin IV, it is recommended to flush the IV line with normal saline solution to ensure that the medication is fully delivered and to prevent any remaining medication from precipitating in the IV line, which could lead to occlusion.

Fluid excess, also known as fluid overload or hypervolemia, occurs when there is an excessive volume of fluid in the body. The nurse should assess for signs and symptoms of fluid excess, which include the following:

A. Bounding pulse: A bounding pulse, or a pulse that feels unusually strong and forceful, can be a sign of fluid excess. Increased blood volume leads to increased cardiac output, which can manifest as a bounding pulse.

B. Urine-specific gravity greater than 1.030: Urine-specific gravity greater than 1.030 typically indicates concentrated urine and is more indicative of dehydration rather than fluid excess.

C. Pitting edema: Pitting edema occurs when pressure is applied to the skin, resulting in an indentation or "pit" that persists after the pressure is released. It is a classic sign of fluid excess, indicating fluid accumulation in the interstitial spaces.

D. Swelling at the IV site: Swelling at the IV site may indicate infiltration or phlebitis rather than fluid excess. While fluid excess can lead to generalized swelling, swelling specifically at the IV site may suggest a local issue related to the IV infusion.

E. Crackles upon auscultation: Crackles, also known as rales, are abnormal lung sounds heard upon auscultation and are indicative of fluid accumulation in the lungs, which can occur with fluid excess. Crackles are typically heard in the bases of the lungs and may indicate pulmonary edema.