A nurse is preparing to administer haloperidol 5 mg IM to a client. The amount available is haloperidol 20 mg/mL. How many mL should the nurse administer?

(Round the answer to the nearest hundredth. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

A. "I'll be glad when I can stop taking this medicine.": This statement indicates a misunderstanding about phenytoin therapy. Phenytoin is typically a long-term medication used to prevent seizures, and it is not typically discontinued unless under the guidance of a healthcare provider. The nurse should clarify that stopping the medication abruptly can lead to rebound seizures and should emphasize the importance of continuing the medication as prescribed.

B. "I have made an appointment to see my dentist next week.": This statement indicates appropriate understanding, as regular dental check-ups are important for individuals taking phenytoin due to the medication's potential side effect of gingival hyperplasia.

C. "I know that I cannot switch brands of this medication.": This statement demonstrates understanding, as different brands of phenytoin can have variations in bioavailability, which can affect seizure control. It is important for clients to remain consistent with the same brand or formulation unless directed otherwise by their healthcare provider.

D. "I will notify my doctor before taking any other medications.": This statement indicates understanding of the potential for drug interactions with phenytoin, as it is a hepatic enzyme inducer and can affect the metabolism of other medications. Clients should always consult their healthcare provider before taking any new medications or supplements to ensure compatibility with phenytoin therapy.

B. Shake the container vigorously:

This is the correct action. Phenytoin suspension tends to settle over time, leading to non-uniform distribution of the medication in the suspension. Therefore, shaking the container vigorously before administering each dose ensures proper dispersion of the medication and helps maintain consistent drug concentration, thus promoting therapeutic efficacy.

A. Check the child's blood pressure:

Checking the child's blood pressure is not directly related to the administration of phenytoin suspension. Monitoring blood pressure may be indicated in certain clinical situations or with certain medications, but it is not specifically required before administering phenytoin suspension.

C. Be sure the child has not eaten within the hour:

While it's important to consider food-drug interactions with certain medications, such as those affected by food intake, there are no specific dietary restrictions associated with phenytoin suspension administration. Therefore, checking whether the child has eaten within the hour is not a necessary step before administering phenytoin suspension.

D. Perform mouth care:

Performing mouth care is not directly related to the administration of phenytoin suspension. However, oral hygiene is important for overall health, especially in children who may have difficulty performing adequate mouth care independently. While mouth care should be encouraged, it is not specifically required before administering phenytoin suspension.