The nurse is administering liquid medications through a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube.
Which technique is correct?

Administering the medications using a 3-mL medication syringe

Applying firm pressure on the syringe’s piston to infuse the medication

Flushing the tubing with 30 mL of saline after the medication has been given

Using the barrel of the syringe, allowing the medication to flow via gravity into the tube

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale:

Administering the medications using a 3-mL medication syringe is not the best practice. While it is possible to use a 3-mL syringe for medication administration, it is not the most efficient or safest method. A larger syringe allows for easier administration and reduces the risk of creating too much pressure which could potentially damage the PEG tube.

Choice B rationale:

Applying firm pressure on the syringe’s piston to infuse the medication is not recommended. This can create too much pressure in the PEG tube and could potentially cause damage. It is generally advised to allow the medication to flow into the tube via gravity. Choice C rationale:

Flushing the tubing with 30 mL of saline after the medication has been given is the correct technique. This helps to ensure that all of the medication has been administered and also helps to keep the tube clear of any potential blockages.

Choice D rationale:

Using the barrel of the syringe, allowing the medication to flow via gravity into the tube is a common practice. However, it is not the only step in the process. It is also important to flush the tube before and after medication administration to ensure all medication is delivered and to maintain the patency of the tube.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant drug used in the prophylaxis and control of various types of seizures. It has a narrow therapeutic index, which means that the safe and toxic plasma levels of the drug are very close to each other. This characteristic makes the dosing of phenytoin challenging, as even small deviations from the recommended therapeutic range can lead to suboptimal treatment or adverse effects. Therapeutic effect without clinical signs of toxicity occurs more often with serum total concentrations between 10 and 20 mcg/mL34. Therefore, clinicians are advised to initiate therapeutic drug monitoring in patients who require phenytoin.

Choice B rationale:

The statement that phenytoin has a low chance of being effective is incorrect. Phenytoin is a widely used and effective anticonvulsant. It works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures. It is used to control seizures but does not treat all types of seizures. The effectiveness of phenytoin is not determined by its narrow therapeutic index but by its pharmacological action in the brain.

Choice C rationale:

The assertion that there is no difference between safe and toxic plasma levels of phenytoin is incorrect. There is indeed a difference between the safe (therapeutic) and toxic levels of phenytoin. The therapeutic range for phenytoin is typically between 10 and 20 mcg/mL34. Levels above this range can lead to toxicity, while levels below this range may not provide the desired therapeutic effect.

Choice D rationale:

The statement that a very small dosage of phenytoin can result in the desired therapeutic effect is not entirely accurate. While it’s true that phenytoin is effective in controlling seizures, the dosage required to achieve this effect is not necessarily “very small”. The usual adult dose for seizures is 100 mg orally 3 times a day. The dosage may need to be adjusted based on individual patient factors and response to therapy. Therefore, it’s not accurate to generalize that a “very small” dosage will result in the desired therapeutic effect for all patients.

A. A one-time infusion of amphotericin B B. A single dose of a vaginal antifungal cream C. A single dose of a fluconazole oral tablet D. There is no better alternative to the suppositories

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Amphotericin B is a potent antifungal medication used to treat severe fungal infections. However, it is typically reserved for life-threatening systemic fungal infections due to its potential for serious side effects, including kidney damage and infusion reactions. It is not commonly used as a first-line treatment for vaginal yeast infections.

Choice B rationale:

While antifungal creams can be effective for treating vaginal yeast infections, they typically require a treatment course of several days. This option may not be the best choice for a patient seeking a quicker, one-time treatment.

Choice C rationale:

A single dose of a fluconazole oral tablet is often an effective treatment for vaginal yeast infections. Fluconazole works by inhibiting the growth of the yeast causing the infection. It is convenient for patients because it only requires one dose, unlike creams or suppositories that need to be applied for several days.

Choice D rationale:

There are indeed alternatives to antifungal suppositories for treating vaginal yeast infections. As mentioned above, a single dose of fluconazole is one such alternative. Therefore, stating that there is no better alternative to the suppositories is not accurate.

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The nurse is administering liquid medications through a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube. Which technique is correct?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Phenytoin has a narrow therapeutic index. The nurse recognizes that this characteristic indicates which of these?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A patient has been prescribed a 2-week course of antifungal suppositories for a vaginal yeast infection. She asks the nurse if there is an alternative to this medication, stating, “I don’t want to do this for 2 weeks!” What could be a possible alternative in this situation?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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The nurse is administering liquid medications through a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube.
Which technique is correct?