Question

"The nurse is giving an intravenous dose of phenytoin (Dilantin). which guidelines will the nurse follow for administration? (select all that apply)

A. phenytoin should be injected quickly
B. phenytoin should be injected slowly
C. phenytoin should be followed by an injection of sterile saline
D. continuous infusion should be avoided"

Answer 1

The nurse should inject phenytoin slowly and avoid continuous infusion.

Step-by-step explanation:

When giving an intravenous dose of phenytoin (Dilantin), the nurse should follow the following guidelines:

• Phenytoin should be injected slowly: Rapid injection can cause adverse reactions such as hypotension and cardiac arrhythmias.
• Continuous infusion should be avoided: Continuous infusion of phenytoin can lead to hypotension, bradycardia, and cardiac arrest.

It is important for the nurse to be cautious and follow these guidelines to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the medication.

The guidelines recommend a slow administration rate, typically not exceeding 50 mg/minute (or as specified by the manufacturer), and it's important to use a large vein and a diluent compatible with phenytoin to minimize the risk of complications. Additionally, there is no requirement for an injection of sterile saline after phenytoin administration.