A nurse is preparing to administer intravenous Phenytoin to a patient. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to ensure proper administration?
Flush the IV line with normal saline before and after administering phenytoin
Flush the IV line with dextrose solution before and after giving phenytoin
Mix phenytoin with lactated Ringer's solution for infusion
Administer phenytoin without flushing the IV line
The Correct Answer is A
A. Flush the IV line with normal saline before and after administering phenytoin: Phenytoin is incompatible with dextrose and many other IV solutions. Normal saline is the only recommended diluent, and flushing before and after administration prevents precipitation and line blockage, ensuring safe delivery of the drug.
B. Flush the IV line with dextrose solution before and after giving phenytoin: Phenytoin precipitates in dextrose-containing solutions, which can result in crystal formation, risking embolism or phlebitis. Using dextrose can lead to serious IV complications and must be avoided.
C. Mix phenytoin with lactated Ringer's solution for infusion: Phenytoin is not compatible with lactated Ringer’s due to the calcium content, which increases the risk of precipitation. It should only be diluted in normal saline to maintain solution stability and patient safety.
D. Administer phenytoin without flushing the IV line: Skipping the flush increases the risk of drug incompatibility, precipitation, and reduced drug delivery. Flushing with normal saline is essential to maintain IV line patency and prevent complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Increase your fluid intake to 2–3 liters per day.": Increased fluid intake helps dilute uric acid levels and promotes renal excretion, reducing the risk of kidney stones—a common complication in patients taking allopurinol. Maintaining hydration is a key part of long-term gout management.
B. "Discontinue the medication once symptoms improve.": Allopurinol is a maintenance medication meant to prevent gout flares by lowering uric acid levels over time. Stopping it when symptoms improve can lead to rebound hyperuricemia and recurrent attacks.
C. "Double the dose if a dose is missed.": Doubling a missed dose can increase the risk of toxicity, including skin rash, liver dysfunction, and hypersensitivity reactions. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it's almost time for the next dose.
D. "Take the medication only during acute gout attacks.": Allopurinol is not intended for acute gout relief; it can actually worsen or trigger flares when initiated during an attack. It is used for chronic urate-lowering therapy and should be taken consistently.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Tablets: The drug label clearly states "Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride) tablets," indicating that this formulation is in tablet form. It also mentions "30 Tablets" directly below the dosage strength, confirming the correct formulation.
B. Lozenge: Lozenges are designed to dissolve slowly in the mouth for local effect and are not typically used for systemic antidepressants like sertraline. This formulation is not indicated on the label.
C. Elixir: An elixir is a liquid form of medication containing alcohol, and although sertraline can be made in liquid form, this label specifically refers to tablets, not a liquid preparation.
D. Capsules: Capsules contain medication enclosed in a gelatin shell, often used for extended-release purposes. The label does not mention capsules and explicitly says "tablets," making this option incorrect.
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