A nurse is preparing to administer 2 medications via client's NG tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A) "Tape the tube to the child's cheek."
Taping the tube to the child's cheek is not appropriate for securing a gastrostomy enteral tube. The tube should be securely anchored to the child's abdomen to prevent dislodgment or irritation. Taping to the cheek can lead to unnecessary friction or skin breakdown.

B) "Secure the tubing to the child's abdomen."
The proper method to secure a gastrostomy tube is to anchor the tubing to the child’s abdomen with a specialized securing device or adhesive bandage. This ensures the tube remains in place, minimizing movement and preventing irritation or accidental removal. Proper securing also promotes comfort and safety for the child.

C) "Apply water-soluble lubricant to the site."
Water-soluble lubricant should not be applied directly to the gastrostomy site. This can cause irritation or create a barrier that inhibits proper healing. Instead, the site should be kept clean and dry, with appropriate care to prevent infection or breakdown.

D) "Attach an extension tube to the site's opening prior to use."
While attaching an extension tube may be necessary for feeding or drainage, this action is not related to site care. The focus of site care is to ensure the gastrostomy tube remains securely in place, and the skin around the site is maintained without infection or irritation. Extension tubes are used for feeding or medication administration, not for routine site care.

A) "You should expect to have blood work every 6 months while taking this medication.": While it is important for clients on phenytoin to have regular blood work, especially to monitor drug levels and assess for potential side effects (e.g., liver function, complete blood count), the frequency of blood work is typically more frequent than every 6 months. Blood work is often performed at least every 3-6 months, or more frequently if there are concerns about phenytoin levels or side effects. Therefore, this statement is not accurate.

B) "You can safely take this medication if you become pregnant.": Phenytoin is classified as a Category D medication in pregnancy, meaning it has been shown to cause potential harm to the fetus. It is not considered safe during pregnancy, and women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should discuss alternative medications with their healthcare provider.

C) "You might experience swollen gums while taking this medication.": Gingival hyperplasia (swelling of the gums) is a common side effect of phenytoin. Clients taking this medication should be aware of this potential side effect and should be instructed on proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups to help minimize this risk. This statement is accurate and should be included in the teaching.

D) "You can skip a dose of this medication if you are nauseated.": It is important not to skip doses of phenytoin, as maintaining therapeutic levels of the drug is crucial for its effectiveness in preventing seizures. If a client experiences nausea or difficulty taking the medication, they should contact their healthcare provider for guidance rather than skipping doses. Skipping doses could lead to breakthrough seizures.