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 ["033"]
Explanation
Step 1 is to calculate the number of milliliters (mL) that contain the ordered dose of 300 mg of clindamycin.
Step 2 is to divide the total milliliters (mL) from Step 1 by the infusion time in minutes to get the flow rate in mL/hour. Here are the calculations:
Step 1:
900 mg of clindamycin is in 50 mL.
To find the mL that contain 300 mg, set up a proportion:
(300 mg / 900 mg) = (x mL / 50 mL) Cross-multiply and solve for x:
x = (300 mg * 50 mL) / 900 mg x = 16.67 mL
Step 2:
The infusion time is 30 minutes.
Divide the total mL (16.67 mL) by the infusion time in hours to get the flow rate in mL/hour: Flow rate = 16.67 mL / (30 minutes / 60 minutes/hour)
Flow rate = 33.33 mL/hour
Round to the nearest whole number, using a leading zero if it applies, and no trailing zero: Flow rate = 033 mL/hour
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Protecting the airway is the highest priority during a tonic-clonic seizure. Tonic-clonic seizures involve intense muscle contractions, which can lead to biting the tongue, aspiration of secretions, or even respiratory arrest if the airway is obstructed. Turning the client's head to the side helps to maintain a clear airway and prevent these complications.
It is essential to act quickly to prevent injury and ensure adequate oxygenation. Delaying airway management could have serious consequences.
Choice B rationale:
Checking motor strength is not a priority during the active phase of a seizure. It is more important to focus on protecting the airway and preventing injury.
Motor strength can be assessed after the seizure has subsided.
Choice C rationale:
Loosening clothing around the waist may be helpful to promote comfort and breathing, but it is not the first priority. It is more important to address the airway and prevent aspiration.
Choice D rationale:
Documenting the time the seizure began is important for accurate record-keeping and assessment of seizure patterns, but it is not the first priority in the immediate management of the seizure. Documentation can be done after the client's airway and safety are ensured.
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