Question

The nurse is caring for a hospitalized child with a history of seizures who is receiving oral phenytoin sodium. Which should be included in the plan of care for this child?

A. Encourage a high-fiber diet
B. Monitor for signs of gingival hyperplasia
C. Administer the medication with dairy products
D. Limit fluid intake to enhance drug absorption

Answer 1

The nurse should monitor for signs of gingival hyperplasia in a child receiving oral phenytoin sodium, an anticonvulsant medication for seizures. A high-fiber diet, administering the medication with dairy products, and limiting fluid intake are not relevant to the plan of care.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should monitor for signs of gingival hyperplasia in a hospitalized child receiving oral phenytoin sodium. Phenytoin sodium is an anticonvulsant medication commonly used to manage seizures. Gingival hyperplasia, which is an abnormal overgrowth of gum tissue, is a potential side effect of phenytoin sodium.

Encouraging a high-fiber diet is not specifically related to the plan of care for a child receiving phenytoin sodium. Similarly, administering the medication with dairy products is not recommended as it may interfere with the absorption of the medication. Limiting fluid intake to enhance drug absorption is also not necessary or appropriate in this case.