The nurse is continuing to care for the infant.

Exhibits

The nurse has provided teaching to the parents about the prescribed medication. Which of the following statements by the parents indicate an understanding of the teaching?

Select all that apply.

A. Intake and output: The infant has not fed in 8 hours and has only had 1 wet diaper during this time, which is concerning for dehydration or inadequate intake. The decreased output requires immediate follow-up to prevent further dehydration and assess fluid needs.
B. Heart rate: The heart rate of 180/min is elevated for an infant, potentially indicating dehydration, fever, or respiratory distress. Tachycardia can also signify compensation for hypoxia.
C. Respiratory rate: A respiratory rate of 60/min is elevated for an infant and indicates respiratory distress, compounded by retractions and diminished lung sounds in the right lobes.
D. Bowel sounds: Active bowel sounds in all four quadrants are a normal finding and do not indicate an acute issue.
E. Mucous membranes: While dry mucous membranes confirm dehydration, they are not the highest priority compared to respiratory distress or oxygen saturation.
F. Weight: Weight loss from 9 lb to 8 lb 8 oz is concerning for chronic dehydration or inadequate nutrition, but it does not require immediate action compared to acute respiratory and oxygenation issues.
G. Retractions: Moderate substernal and intercostal retractions are indicative of respiratory distress. This requires immediate follow-up to assess the severity of the distress and initiate appropriate interventions, such as supplemental oxygen or further evaluation.
H. Lung sounds: Diminished lung sounds in the right lobes and occasional coarse crackles are concerning for a respiratory infection or condition such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis. Immediate follow-up is required to assess the cause and severity of the respiratory findings.
I. Temperature: The infant has a fever, which is concerning, especially with poor feeding and lethargy. Fever in an infant can indicate a serious infection (e.g., sepsis, urinary tract infection, or pneumonia) that requires immediate medical attention and further investigation.
J. Oxygen saturation: An oxygen saturation of 92% is low for an infant, indicating hypoxia, likely due to respiratory compromise. Immediate intervention (e.g., oxygen therapy) is necessary to prevent further deterioration.

A. "Administer the medication on an empty stomach." Phenytoin can be taken with or without food. Administering with food can reduce stomach upset.
B. "Encourage the child to brush their teeth after each meal." Phenytoin increases the risk of gingival hyperplasia, so regular brushing helps maintain oral hygiene and prevents complications.
C. "Crush the child's medication to mix with applesauce." Extended-release capsules should not be crushed as this alters their intended release mechanism.
D. "Observe the child for diarrhea." Diarrhea is not a common side effect of phenytoin. Monitoring should focus on side effects like gingival overgrowth, nystagmus, or skin rashes.