A nurse is preparing to administer 800 mg of phenytoin via IV infusion to a client who is experiencing status epilepticus. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when administering the medication?
Administer the phenytoin infusion over 5 min.
Flush with 0.9% sodium chloride after administration.
Flush with 100 units/mL of heparin after administration.
Administer the phenytoin in 100 mL of D5W
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Phenytoin should be administered slowly to avoid adverse effects. Infusing 800 mg over 5 minutes is too rapid and can lead to cardiovascular complications.
Choice B rationale:
Rationale: After administering phenytoin via IV, it's important to flush the IV line with normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) to ensure the medication is fully delivered to the client and to prevent any residual medication from precipitating in the IV line.
Choice C rationale:
Flushing with heparin is not standard practice for administering phenytoin.
Choice D rationale:
Phenytoin should be administered in normal saline, not in D5W (dextrose 5% in water), to avoid precipitation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A slightly elevated WBC count is not a contraindication for the administration of methylergonovine.
Choice B rationale:
Methylergonovine can cause vasoconstriction and bronchoconstriction, which can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Therefore, a history of asthma is a contraindication for its use.
Choice C rationale:
Hgb of 11.2 g/dL is within an acceptable range and not a contraindication for methylergonovine.
Choice D rationale:
Blood pressure of 154/98 mm Hg is elevated, but it is not a contraindication for the administration of methylergonovine.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Other family members or close contacts may consider immunization, but it is not directly related to the client's ALS diagnosis.
Choice B rationale:
Since the client has a new diagnosis of ALS, the immediate focus should not be on selling their home, but rather on understanding and managing the disease.
Choice C rationale:
Requiring hospice care immediately is not a standard recommendation for a client with ALS. The client's disease progression and needs will be assessed to determine the appropriate level of care.
Choice D rationale:
Creating a living will is important for clients with a terminal illness like ALS, as it allows them to express their wishes for medical treatment and care preferences in advance.
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