The Nurse Is Preparing to Administer Phenytoin (Dilantin) to a Patient

question 3

Multiple Choice

The nurse is preparing to administer phenytoin (Dilantin) to a patient who has a seizure disorder. The nurse notes that the last random serum drug level was 18 mcg/mL. What action will the nurse take?

• A) Administer the dose since the patient's labs do not indicate toxic phenytoin levels.
• B) Contact the provider to discuss decreasing the phenytoin dose.
• C) Give the drug and monitor closely for toxicity.
• D) Report drug toxicity to the providers.

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Definitions:

General Adaptation Syndrome

A theoretical model describing the body's short-term and long-term reactions to stress, involving stages of alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

Tend-and-befriend Response

A behavioral response to stress that involves seeking social support and nurturing others, theorized to be more common in females.

Problem-focused Coping

A strategy aimed at directly confronting or managing a problem to alleviate stress or conflict.

Stress

The body's response to any demand or challenge, which can be triggered by both positive and negative experiences and can affect mental and physical health.