A nurse is preparing to administer phenytoin 75 mg PO every 6 hours. Available is phenytoin 25 mg/5 mL. How many mL should the nurse administer?

(Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

Choice A reason:

Placing the patient in a lateral position (recovery position) is critical to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration, especially in a client who is not responding to verbal stimuli. This position helps ensure that the airway remains clear and reduces the risk of aspiration if the client vomits.

Choice B reason:

Applying a warm blanket is important for maintaining the client’s body temperature but is not the immediate priority when the client is unresponsive. Ensuring airway patency takes precedence.

Choice C reason:

Comparing and contrasting peripheral pulses is part of the assessment process but is not the first priority. Ensuring the client's airway and breathing are secure is more urgent.

Choice D reason:

Assessing dressings is necessary to monitor for bleeding or other complications but is not as immediate as ensuring the client’s airway is clear and protected.

Choice A reason:

Fat embolism syndrome is a serious complication of fractures, particularly long bone fractures, and presents with symptoms such as respiratory distress, cerebral dysfunction, and petechial rash. However, it is not characterized by localized increasing edema and pain.

Choice B reason:

Malignant hyperthermia is a severe reaction to certain anesthetic agents and is characterized by hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, and metabolic acidosis. It is not related to increasing edema and pain in the context of a crush injury.

Choice C reason:

Acute compartment syndrome is characterized by increasing pain that is not relieved by analgesics and increasing edema due to increased pressure within the muscle compartments. This condition requires immediate medical intervention to prevent permanent damage.

Choice D reason:

A myocardial embolus would present with symptoms related to cardiac function, such as chest pain and shortness of breath. It is not related to localized increasing edema and pain in the lower extremities following a crush injury.