A nurse is preparing to administer 800 mg of phenytoin via IV infusion to a client who is experiencing status epilepticus. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when administering the medication?
Administer the phenytoin infusion over 5 min.
Flush with 0.9% sodium chloride after administration.
Flush with 100 units/mL of heparin after administration.
Administer the phenytoin in 100 mL of D5W
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Phenytoin should be administered slowly to avoid adverse effects. Infusing 800 mg over 5 minutes is too rapid and can lead to cardiovascular complications.
Choice B rationale:
Rationale: After administering phenytoin via IV, it's important to flush the IV line with normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) to ensure the medication is fully delivered to the client and to prevent any residual medication from precipitating in the IV line.
Choice C rationale:
Flushing with heparin is not standard practice for administering phenytoin.
Choice D rationale:
Phenytoin should be administered in normal saline, not in D5W (dextrose 5% in water), to avoid precipitation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Warm water can help soothe the lesions and decrease painful urination, providing relief to the client.
Choice B rationale:
The client with genital herpes can still shed the virus and potentially transmit it to others even when there are no visible lesions, so this statement is incorrect.
Choice C rationale:
Genital herpes is a viral infection, and antibiotics are not effective in treating viral infections. Antiviral medications are used to manage genital herpes outbreaks.
Choice D rationale:
Soaking in a bubble bath can potentially irritate the lesions and worsen discomfort. It is not recommended for individuals with genital herpes.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Wearing splints over affected joints while sleeping is a strategy to prevent contractures, which are common in ALS.
Choice B rationale:
Dexamethasone is not used to treat muscle atrophy in ALS.
Choice C rationale:
As ALS progresses, clients may lose the ability to control their respiratory muscles, and a machine such as a ventilator may be required to assist with breathing.
Choice D rationale:
Nutrition through a central venous access device is not a standard intervention for ALS, as the focus is on preserving the client's ability to eat and swallow for as long as possible.

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