Question

The physician has prescribed mannitol for a patient with intracranial hypertension. Which of the following is an important consideration when administering mannitol?

A. The drug must be protected from light.
B. The drug must be administered through an in-line filter.
C. The drug must be administered into a central venous catheter.
D. The drug must be refrigerated.

Answer 1

Mannitol must be administered through an in-line filter during intravenous infusion to prevent the introduction of crystals into the patient's bloodstream, which is critical for patient safety. Drugs are usually formulated in isotonic solutions to prevent red blood cell hemolysis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to the administration of mannitol for a patient with intracranial hypertension. The consideration of administering mannitol is that it must be done through an in-line filter. This is crucial because mannitol formulations can crystallize, and an in-line filter ensures that no crystals are administered to the patient, which could potentially cause harm. Addressing the secondary aspects of drug formulation related to osmolarity, it is essential for drugs to be in an isotonic solution to prevent hemolysis. When infusing fluids intravenously, such as in the treatment of dehydration, a solution that is isotonic with body fluids, like normal saline, is typically used to maintain proper osmotic pressure and electrolyte balance.