Question

The nurse is caring for a client who is preoperative for an exploratory laparotomy. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?

Option 1: Administer phenytoin with a sip of water prior to the surgery.

Option 2: Administer gentamicin mg IV.

Option 3: Administer dextrose 5% in lactated Ringers (D5LR), which is a hypertonic IV solution.

Option 4: Contact the wound, ostomy, and continence nurse

Answer 1

The nurse should prioritize administering phenytoin with a sip of water prior to the surgery to prevent seizures during and after surgery.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should prioritize administering phenytoin with a sip of water prior to the surgery. Phenytoin is an antiepileptic medication that is commonly prescribed preoperatively to prevent seizures during and after surgery. It is important to administer phenytoin with a sip of water to enhance absorption and ensure its therapeutic effect.