Final answer:
For a school-age child taking valproic acid, the nurse should expect the provider to order liver function tests (LFTs) to monitor for potential hepatic side effects given the known risk of liver toxicity with this medication.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a school-age child is taking valproic acid, a medication commonly used to treat seizures and other conditions, it is essential to monitor the drug's effects on the liver. Valproic acid has been known to cause liver toxicity, which can be detected by assessing liver function with specific diagnostic tests. Liver function tests (LFTs) measure the levels of liver enzymes and other substances in the blood, which help gauge liver health. A complete metabolic panel (CMP) can reveal elevated liver enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), direct bilirubin, and total bilirubin. Since these enzymes and bilirubin are generally most abundant in liver tissue, elevated levels in the blood may suggest liver damage or dysfunction. Hence, the nurse should expect the provider to order liver function tests for a child taking valproic acid to monitor for potential hepatic side effects.