A client with a subarachnoid hemorrhage is prescribed a 1,000-mg loading dose of Dilantin IV. Which consideration is most important when administering this dose?
Dilantin IV shouldn’t be given at a rate exceeding 50 mg/minute. Rapid administration can depress the myocardium, causing arrhythmias.

Option A: Therapeutic drug levels range from 10 to 20 mg/ml.
Option C: Dilantin shouldn’t be mixed in solution for administration. However, because it’s compatible with normal saline solution, it can be injected through an IV line containing normal saline.
Option D: When given through an IV catheter hand, Dilantin may cause purple glove syndrome.
Therapeutic drug levels should be maintained between 20 to 30 mg/ml.
Rapid Dilantin administration can cause cardiac arrhythmias.
Dilantin should be mixed in dextrose in water before administration.
Dilantin should be administered through an IV catheter in the client’s hand.