Assessment of a Patient Nursing Practice Question
The nurse is reviewing the results of a client's phenytoin level that was drawn that morning. The nurse is preparing to discharge once the level is therapeutic. Which result indicates that this goal has been met?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The therapeutic range for serum phenytoin levels is 10 to 20 mcg/mL (39.68 to 79.36 mcmol/L) in clients with normal serum albumin levels and renal function. A level below this range indicates that the client is not receiving sufficient medication and is at risk for seizure activity. In this case, the medication dose should be adjusted upward. A level above the therapeutic range indicates that the client is entering the toxic range and is at risk for toxic side effects of the medication.