Question

When administering phenytoin (Dilantin) through the client’s IV line, the nurse carefully flushes the IV with normal saline before and afterward to avoid crystal formation of the medication that occurs when it mixes with dextrose in water (D5W) solution. Which type of drug interaction is the nurse being careful to avoid?

a. Potentiation
b. Antagonism
c. Synergism
d. Incompatibility?

Answer 1

The drug interaction that the nurse administering the procedure that is carefully avoided would be the possibility of incompatibility. In addition, an incompatibility usually takes place when a precipitate is produced upon the reaction of medications, therefore, it must be carefully prepared and administered.