When administering phenytoin intravenously, which of the following should be monitored?

• A. Blood Pressure
• B. Cardiac Rhythm
• C. IV Infusion Site
• D. All of the Above

Answer: (D)

When a medication has the potential to affect heart function and irritate the vein, you monitor multiple aspects to catch problems early. IV phenytoin can cause drops in blood pressure and heart rhythm disturbances, so watching blood pressure and cardiac rhythm helps detect hypotension or arrhythmias as soon as they begin. It can also irritate the vein and cause extravasation or phlebitis, so inspecting and monitoring the IV infusion site is essential to prevent tissue damage. Because these risks can occur together, monitoring all three areas—vital signs (especially blood pressure), cardiac rhythm, and the IV site—is the safest approach during administration.