A nurse is planning to administer phenytoin IV via intermittent bolus to a client who has a seizure disorder and is receiving a continuous IV infusion of dextrose 5% in water (D5W). Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Administer the medication no faster than 100 mg/min.
Monitor plasma phenytoin levels to establish the therapeutic range.
Add the medication to the existing IV solution.
Monitor the client for hypertension.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Administering phenytoin IV no faster than 100 mg/min is crucial to prevent adverse effects such as cardiovascular collapse or severe hypotension. Rapid administration of phenytoin can cause cardiac arrhythmias and should be avoided.
Choice B rationale:
Monitoring plasma phenytoin levels to establish the therapeutic range is a necessary action in managing the client's seizure disorder, but it does not pertain to the specific administration of phenytoin via intermittent bolus.
Choice C rationale:
Adding the medication to the existing IV solution is not appropriate for phenytoin administration. Phenytoin should be administered separately and not mixed with other IV solutions to maintain its stability and prevent interactions.
Choice D rationale:
Monitoring the client for hypertension is not directly related to the administration of phenytoin via intermittent bolus. Hypertension is not a common adverse effect of this medication. However, blood pressure should be monitored as part of routine care for any client on antiepileptic therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Preparing an endotracheal tube for intubation is not the first action the nurse should take in this situation. Intubation is an invasive procedure and should be reserved for cases where other, less invasive methods of airway management have failed.
Choice B rationale:
Inserting a plastic oral airway may help maintain the airway in some situations, but it is not the first action to take when the client's airway is obstructing and their oxygen saturation is low.
Choice C rationale:
Providing oxygen using a manual resuscitation bag (bag-valve-mask device) is the correct first action. This allows the nurse to manually assist the client's breathing and deliver oxygen more effectively than just providing supplemental oxygen through a nasal cannula or face mask.
Choice D rationale:
Performing a head tilt with a chin-lift is a basic airway maneuver, but it may not be sufficient in this situation, especially if the airway is completely obstructed. Providing oxygen with a manual resuscitation bag takes precedence.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
(Potassium level) Lovastatin is a medication used to treat high cholesterol levels. While potassium levels are important to monitor for certain conditions, they are not directly related to the initiation of lovastatin therapy. Therefore, this is not the correct choice for diagnostic testing before starting the medication.
Choice B rationale:
(Hemoglobin level) Hemoglobin levels are important to assess for anemia or other blood disorders. However, they are not specifically required before starting lovastatin therapy. Therefore, this is not the correct choice for diagnostic testing before starting the medication.
Choice C rationale:
(Kidney function tests) While kidney function tests are essential for many medications to ensure proper excretion and avoid toxicity, they are not directly related to the initiation of lovastatin therapy. Therefore, this is not the correct choice for diagnostic testing before starting the medication.
Choice D rationale:
(Liver function tests) Liver function tests are crucial before starting lovastatin therapy. Lovastatin is metabolized in the liver, and it can potentially cause liver damage or abnormalities in liver enzymes. Monitoring liver function helps detect any pre-existing liver conditions and ensures the safe use of the medication. Therefore, this is the correct choice for diagnostic testing before starting the medication.
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