What is the nurse's priority action before administering phenytoin oral suspension via enteral tube feeding?

Before administering phenytoin oral suspension via an enteral tube feeding, it is crucial to stop the feeding for 1 to 2 hours prior to and after administration. Phenytoin is an antiepileptic medication that requires careful timing with respect to enteral feedings because the presence of food in the gastrointestinal tract can significantly impact the absorption of the drug. If phenytoin is given simultaneously with tube feedings, its absorption can be reduced, leading to subtherapeutic levels and potentially ineffective seizure control.

Halting the feed allows for maximum absorption of the medication when it is finally administered. This timing aids in ensuring that the drug reaches therapeutic levels in the bloodstream without interference from the feeding process. Additionally, resuming the feeding after phenytoin administration ensures that nutritional needs are met promptly while optimizing drug effectiveness.

Regarding the other actions, checking renal function may be relevant for overall patient management but is not directly related to the administration of phenytoin via an enteral tube. Flushing with normal saline versus water does not have a direct bearing on the absorption of the medication and is not the primary concern here. Monitoring blood pressure is important in general nursing care but does not specifically relate to the administration of pheny