The nurse is preparing to administer phenytoin to a patient who has a seizure disorder. The patient appears drowsy, and the nurse notes that the last random serum drug level was 18 mcg/mL. What action will the nurse take?
Administer the dose since the patient is not toxic
Contact the provider to discuss decreasing the phenytoin dose
Give the drug and monitor closely for adverse effects
Report drug toxicity to the providers
The Correct Answer is D
A. Administer the dose since the patient is not toxic.
This is not the appropriate action. With a drowsy patient and a high serum phenytoin level, there is a concern for toxicity. Administering the next dose could worsen the toxicity.
B. Contact the provider to discuss decreasing the phenytoin dose.
While adjusting the dose may be a consideration, the immediate action should be to withhold the next dose and report the elevated level to the healthcare provider. The provider can then determine the appropriate course of action.
C. Give the drug and monitor closely for adverse effects.
Giving the drug without further intervention is not appropriate when there are signs of potential toxicity, such as drowsiness. Monitoring alone is not sufficient in this case.
D. Report drug toxicity to the providers.
This is the correct choice. With a drowsy patient and a serum phenytoin level of 18 mcg/mL, which is considered high, reporting the drug toxicity to the healthcare provider is the immediate and appropriate action. The provider can then determine the next steps, such as adjusting the dose or ordering additional tests.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Call the health care provider immediately to change the medication to oral.
Changing the medication to oral may not address the immediate issue of the burning sensation and feeling of heat at the IV site. This option focuses on changing the route of administration rather than addressing the current discomfort.
B. Continue the infusion and reassure the patient.
Continuing the infusion without addressing the patient's discomfort could lead to potential complications, and it is important to prioritize patient comfort and safety. Reassurance alone may not be sufficient if there is an issue with the IV site.
C. Flush the line with 10 mL of normal saline and continue the infusion.
While flushing the line with normal saline is a good practice to ensure patency, it may not resolve the issue if there is ongoing irritation or infiltration at the site. Continuing the infusion without addressing the patient's complaint might lead to further discomfort.
D. Discontinue the IV and restart the IV infusion in a different site.
This is the best action. Discontinuing the IV allows the nurse to assess the current site for signs of infiltration or irritation. Restarting the IV in a different site addresses the immediate issue, ensuring that the medication is delivered safely and effectively.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. High-sodium foods: Sodium intake is not specifically contraindicated with methylphenidate (Ritalin). However, maintaining a balanced and healthy diet is generally recommended for overall well-being.
B. High-sugar foods and drinks: While there is no strict contraindication with methylphenidate and sugar, a diet high in sugar may contribute to hyperactivity and may not be conducive to managing symptoms of ADHD. It's advisable to promote a balanced diet with reduced sugar intake.
C. High-fat foods: There is no direct contraindication between methylphenidate and high-fat foods. However, maintaining a balanced diet with a moderate intake of fats is generally recommended for overall health.
D. Caffeinated foods and drinks: This is the correct answer. Methylphenidate is a stimulant, and combining it with additional sources of caffeine can lead to an increase in stimulant effects, potentially causing adverse reactions.
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