A nurse is preparing to administer phenobarbital 3 mg/kg/day PO in two divided doses to a client who weighs 145 lb. The amount available is phenobarbital 100 mg/tablet. How many tablets should the nurse administer per dose? (Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

• NSAID use. The client has been taking ibuprofen (an NSAID) twice daily while also receiving prednisone (a corticosteroid) for asthma exacerbation. Both NSAIDs and corticosteroids inhibit prostaglandin production, which normally protects the stomach lining. This combination increases the risk of gastric irritation, peptic ulcers, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Recent immunization. The client received the influenza vaccine three days ago, but this does not significantly increase the risk of infection. The flu shot contains inactivated or weakened virus, meaning it cannot cause the flu. The client’s asthma may increase their risk of complications from the flu, but the vaccine helps reduce this risk rather than increasing it.
• Weight gain. The client has gained 1.36 kg (3 lb) in one week, which is likely due to fluid retention from prednisone use. While long-term corticosteroid use can lead to Cushing syndrome, this condition develops over weeks to months of high-dose steroid therapy, not within a short period. Therefore, the client is at a higher risk of peptic ulcers rather than Cushing syndrome.
• Cushing syndrome. Cushing syndrome results from chronic corticosteroid use leading to fat redistribution, muscle weakness, skin thinning, and hyperglycemia. However, this client is on a short-term tapering dose of prednisone, making Cushing syndrome unlikely at this stage.
• Influenza. Although the client has asthma, which increases the risk of complications from respiratory infections, there is no indication that they have developed the flu. The flu shot helps prevent infection, and there are no reports of fever, body aches, or respiratory symptoms suggestive of influenza.
• Peptic ulcers. The combination of NSAIDs and corticosteroids significantly increases the risk of peptic ulcer disease by weakening the stomach lining and promoting acid production. The client should be advised to monitor for signs of gastric irritation, such as abdominal pain, black stools, or nausea, and may require a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) like omeprazole for ulcer prevention.

A. Diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine with anticholinergic properties that can increase the risk of central nervous system (CNS) depression when taken with haloperidol. Both drugs can cause sedation, confusion, and impaired coordination, increasing the risk of falls and other complications. Additionally, combining them can worsen extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) or lead to anticholinergic toxicity, making it an unsafe combination.

B. Docusate sodium. Docusate sodium is a stool softener used to prevent constipation. Haloperidol can cause constipation as a side effect due to its anticholinergic properties, so docusate sodium is safe and may even be beneficial in preventing bowel complications.

C. Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain and inflammation. While it does not have a direct interaction with haloperidol, it should be used with caution in clients with a history of gastrointestinal issues or kidney disease. However, it does not pose a significant risk when taken alongside haloperidol.

D. Glucosamine. Glucosamine is a dietary supplement used to support joint health. It does not interact with haloperidol and does not have sedative or CNS effects. Clients taking haloperidol can safely use glucosamine if needed.