A nurse is caring for a client who was exposed to anthrax.
Which of the following antibiotics should the nurse plan to administer?

The question is about calculating the volume of phenytoin oral solution that the nurse should administer per dose. The client is prescribed 250 mg of phenytoin and the available solution has a concentration of 25 mg/5 mL.

Let’s calculate the volume step by step:

Step 1: Identify the prescribed dose and the concentration of the available medication. The prescribed dose is 250 mg and the concentration of the available medication is 25 mg/5 mL.

Step 2: Set up the calculation. We want to find out how many mL correspond to the prescribed dose. We can set up the calculation as follows: (Prescribed dose ÷ Concentration) × Volume.

Step 3: Substitute the known values into the calculation. This gives us: (250 mg ÷ 25 mg/5 mL).

Step 4: Perform the division operation first due to the order of operations (BIDMAS/BODMAS). This gives us: (250 mg ÷ 5 mg/mL).

Step 5: Perform the final calculation. This gives us: 50 mL.

So, the nurse should administer 50 mL of the phenytoin oral solution per dose.

Please note that this calculation assumes that the prescribed dose (250 mg) is to be administered in one go. If the dose is to be split over the day, the volume to be administered would change accordingly.

Choice A rationale:

Shaking the insulin vial vigorously is not recommended. It can lead to the formation of bubbles, which can affect the accuracy of the dose. Instead, insulin vials should be gently rolled between the hands to mix.

Choice B rationale:

Injecting insulin into the abdominal area is indeed a recommended practice. The abdomen is a preferred site for insulin injection because it has a faster absorption rate compared to other areas. This can help to more effectively regulate blood glucose levels.

Choice C rationale:

Exercise typically lowers blood glucose levels, so insulin doses may need to be reduced to prevent hypoglycemia. Clients should monitor their blood glucose closely and adjust insulin as directed by their healthcare provider.

Choice D rationale:

Freezing unopened insulin vials is not advised. Freezing can disrupt the insulin structure, rendering it ineffective. Insulin should be stored in a refrigerator at a temperature between 2°C and 8°C (36°F and 46°F). Once opened, it can be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days.