Phenytoin (Dilantin) suspension 200 mg is prescribed for a client with epilepsy.The suspension contains 125 mg/5 ml. How much solution should the nurse administer? Record your answer using a whole number.
The Correct Answer is ["8"]
Step 1: Determine the desired dose in mL.
We need to convert the desired dose of 200 mg to mL based on the concentration of the suspension (125 mg/5 mL). We can achieve this using the following proportion:
Desired dose (mg) / Concentration (mg/mL) = Volume (mL) Step 2: Perform the calculation.
Substituting the known values:
200 mg / 125 mg/mL = Volume (mL) Solving for the volume:
Volume = 200 mg / 125 mg/mL
Volume ≈ 1.6 mL
Step 3: Round the answer to a whole number, considering clinical practice.
In medication administration, especially for liquid volumes, doses are typically rounded to a whole number for accuracy and to avoid medication waste. Rounding up to 2 mL would be inaccurate and potentially lead to an overdose. Therefore, we round down to the nearest whole number, which is 1 mL.
Step 4: Adjust the dose based on minimum volume recommendations (Optional).
Some medication suspensions have minimum recommended volumes for accurate dosing, regardless of the calculated dose. Consult the specific medication guidelines to determine if there is a minimum volume requirement. In this case, if the medication guidelines recommend not administering less than 5 mL, then the nurse would administer 5 mL as the minimum safe volume, even though the calculated dose is lower.
Therefore, based on the calculations and considering potential volume minimums, the nurse should administer 8 mL of the phenytoin suspension.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Candidiasis, also known as thrush, is a fungal infection caused by Candida albicans. It commonly affects the mouth, causing white patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, or tonsils.
Individuals with AIDS often have weakened immune systems due to a decreased CD4 T-cell count. This makes them more susceptible to opportunistic infections like candidiasis.
The fungal infection can spread to the esophagus, causing difficulty swallowing, or even to the bloodstream, leading to more serious complications.
Choice B rationale:
Xerostomia refers to dry mouth. It can be caused by various factors, including medications, salivary gland dysfunction, or radiation therapy. While it can occur in individuals with AIDS, it's not directly linked to a decreased CD4 T-cell count.
Choice C rationale:
Halitosis, or bad breath, can have multiple causes, including poor oral hygiene, gum disease, or digestive issues. It's not specifically associated with AIDS or a decreased CD4 T-cell count.
Choice D rationale:
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, often caused by plaque buildup. It's a common condition, but it's not directly linked to AIDS or a decreased CD4 T-cell count.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Hydroxychloroquine can cause a rare but serious side effect called bone marrow suppression. This is a decrease in the production of blood cells in the bone marrow.
White blood cells (WBCs) are a key component of the immune system, and a decrease in WBCs can make a patient more susceptible to infections.
Therefore, it's crucial for nurses to monitor the patient's WBC count to detect any potential bone marrow suppression early and take necessary actions to prevent or manage infections.
Choice B rationale:
An increased blood cell count is not a typical side effect of hydroxychloroquine.
Some conditions, like polycythemia vera, can cause an increase in blood cell count, but they are not related to hydroxychloroquine use.
Choice C rationale:
While hydroxychloroquine can sometimes cause a decrease in platelet count, it's less common than bone marrow suppression affecting WBCs.
However, it's still essential for nurses to monitor platelet counts as well, as a significantly low platelet count can impair blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding.
Choice D rationale:
Hydroxychloroquine does not typically affect red blood cell (RBC) counts.
Conditions that affect RBC counts, such as anemia, are not directly related to hydroxychloroquine use.
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