Author Question: What should the nurse teach parents when the child is taking phenytoin (Dilantin) to control ... (Read 79 times)

appyboo · **on:** Jun 27, 2018

What should the nurse teach parents when the child is taking phenytoin (Dilantin) to control seizures?

a. The child should use a soft toothbrush and floss his teeth after every meal.
b. The child will require monitoring of his liver function while taking this medication.
c. Dilantin should be taken with food because it causes gastrointestinal distress.
d. The medication can be stopped when the child has been seizure free for 1 month.

Question 2

A school nurse is conducting a class on safety for parents of school-age children. Which statement indicates the parents need further teaching?

a. Our child needs to wear sunscreen when playing soccer..
b. Our young school-age child will continue to ride belted in the back seat..
c. We will monitor the volume when our child is listening to music on the i-Pod with ear buds.
d. We're glad our child will be home after school to let repairmen in while we are working..

firehawk60 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 27, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A
A side effect of Dilantin is gingival hyperplasia. Good oral hygiene will minimize this adverse effect. The child receiving Depakene (valproic acid) should have liver function studies because this anticonvulsant may cause hepatic dysfunction. Dilantin has not been found to cause gastrointestinal upset. The medication can be taken without food. Anticonvulsants should never be stopped suddenly or without consulting the physician. Such action could result in seizure activity.

Answer to Question 2

D
Safety teaching for school-age children includes sun protection and wearing sunscreen when participating in sports, having the child belted in the back seat of the car away from airbags, and avoidance of listening to loud music through earphones. A child home alone should not allow others into the home if the parent is not there.