The nurse reviews a prescription for phenytoin 1,000 mg IV to infuse over 10 minutes for an adult with status epilepticus. Which action should the nurse take?

The prescribed rate is 100 mg/min, which exceeds the adult maximum of 50 mg/min and increases hypotension and dysrhythmia risk. The nurse should clarify the rate and use continuous ECG and blood pressure monitoring.

Quick answer
Hold the prescription and clarify the infusion rate before administration. Phenytoin 1,000 mg over 10 minutes equals 100 mg/min, exceeding the adult maximum of 50 mg/min.

Why this is correct
Rapid IV phenytoin can cause severe hypotension and cardiac dysrhythmias. Adult administration should not exceed 50 mg/min, and continuous ECG, blood pressure, and respiratory monitoring are essential during and after the infusion.

Easy analogy or mental picture
Think of IV phenytoin as traffic entering a narrow cardiac toll lane. Sending the dose too quickly can overwhelm the lane and destabilize circulation; the picture explains rate safety but does not replace patient-specific dosing or monitoring.

Memory hook
Calculate the rate before the dose moves: if IV phenytoin exceeds 50 mg/min in an adult, stop and clarify.

NCLEX decision rule
When a high-alert IV medication includes a dose and time, calculate the actual rate before administration. If the rate exceeds the labeled limit, hold the dose, clarify the prescription, and prepare the required physiologic monitoring.

Why the other choices are wrong
Intermittent pulse checks do not replace continuous monitoring. Phenytoin is not diluted in dextrose because precipitation can occur, and intramuscular administration has erratic absorption and local tissue risks rather than providing a safe substitute.