Pediatric ATI Practice Questions Related

Review Pediatric ATI Practice Questions related questions and content

The caregiver is teaching a parent of a young child with a newly diagnosed seizure disorder. The child is prescribed valproic acid (Depakote) for control of seizures. Which parental statement indicates the need for further education?

  • A. I will not use carbonated beverages to dilute his medication.
  • B. I will give his medication with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset.
  • C. I will not let him chew his tablet.
  • D. I will bring him to the physician's office for regular blood work to check his blood levels.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Valproic acid should be administered with food to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal upset. Giving it on an empty stomach may increase the likelihood of adverse effects. The other statements are correct: A - Carbonated beverages should not be used to dilute the medication, C - The tablet should not be chewed, and D - Regular blood work is necessary to monitor valproic acid levels and potential side effects.