Imagine a hospital ward that’s always busy. A nurse is getting ready to give a patient some medicine called phenytoin. This medicine helps stop seizures.
The doctor has said exactly how much the patient needs, 5 milligrams for every kilogram of body weight each day. If the nurse gets this wrong, it could be bad news – either the patient might get too much and feel sick, or not enough and still have seizures. It’s a big deal because in hospitals, every little bit counts when it comes to making sure patients are okay.
Calculate the dose: Determine the patient’s weight in kilograms. Multiply the weight by 5 mg to get the total daily dose. Divide this dose into the appropriate number of doses per day.
Prepare the medication: If using phenytoin oral suspension, shake the bottle well before measuring the dose.
Use an oral syringe or medicine cup to measure the correct amount.
Verify the medication: Check the medication label against the patient’s prescription to ensure the correct drug, dose, and patient. Confirm the expiration date and inspect the medication for any discoloration or particles.
Administer the medication: For oral administration, give the medication to the patient with a glass of water. For IV administration, follow the hospital’s protocol for IV medication administration, including using aseptic technique.
Document the administration: Record the medication administration in the patient’s medical record, including the dose, time, and any observations.
Monitor the patient: Observe the patient for any adverse reactions or side effects.
Check the patient’s serum phenytoin levels as ordered by the physician to ensure therapeutic levels are maintained.
Educate the patient: Provide the patient with information about phenytoin, including its purpose, potential side effects, and the importance of adherence to the prescribed regimen.
Follow up: Schedule and conduct follow-up appointments to monitor the patient’s response to the medication and make any necessary dosage adjustments.
Report any issues: Immediately report any adverse reactions or concerns to the prescribing physician.
Maintain communication: Keep open lines of communication with the patient and other healthcare team members to ensure coordinated care and optimal outcomes.
When administering phenytoin, nurses must carefully calculate the dose based on the patient’s weight in kilograms, ensuring accuracy is crucial as incorrect dosing can lead to adverse reactions.
The medication should be prepared by shaking oral suspension bottles and using calibrated measuring devices. Verification of the medication label against the prescription is essential to confirm the correct drug, dose, and patient.
Administration must follow hospital protocols for oral or IV administration, including aseptic technique. Documentation of the administration in the patient’s medical record is vital, along with monitoring for adverse reactions and side effects.
Patients should be educated about phenytoin, its purpose, potential side effects, and importance of adherence to the prescribed regimen.
Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor the patient’s response to the medication and make any required dosage adjustments. Any issues or concerns must be immediately reported to the prescribing physician, emphasizing the responsibility of healthcare professionals in maintaining patient safety and adhering to guidelines.