A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder and has been taking lithium for 1 year. Before administering the medication, the nurse should check to see that which of the following tests have been completed?

To calculate the volume of phenytoin oral solution to administer per dose, we'll use the formula:

Volume(mL)=Totaldoseneeded(mg)/Concentrationofthemedication(mg/mL)

Given: Total dose needed per dose = 250 mg

Concentration of phenytoin oral solution = 25 mg/5 mL

(which simplifies to 5 mg/mL)

Substituting the given values into the formula:

Volume(mL)=250 mg/5 mg/mL

Volume(mL)=50 mL

Rounded to the nearest whole number, the nurse should administer 50 mL of phenytoin oral solution per dose.

A. Akathisia: Akathisia is characterized by restlessness and an inability to sit still. While it can be a side effect of antipsychotic medications like haloperidol, it does not present with fever, hypertension, and muscle rigidity, as described in the scenario.

B. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): NMS is a potentially life-threatening condition associated with antipsychotic medications like haloperidol. It is characterized by hyperthermia, autonomic dysfunction (e.g., hypertension), altered mental status, and severe muscle rigidity. The client's symptoms of fever, elevated blood pressure, and muscle rigidity are consistent with NMS.

C. Tardive dyskinesia: Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements of the face, tongue, and other body parts. It is a long-term side effect of antipsychotic medications and typically develops after prolonged use, unlike the acute onset seen in the scenario.

D. Agranulocytosis: Agranulocytosis is a rare but serious side effect of antipsychotic medications, characterized by a severe reduction in white blood cell count, leading to an increased risk of infection. The symptoms described in the scenario are not consistent with agranulocytosis.