Question 1

Parents ask the nurse why an over-the-counter cough suppressant with sedative side effects is not recommended for infants. Which response by the nurse is correct?

Accepted Answer

Drugs cross the blood-brain barrier more readily in infants, making these patients more susceptible to central nervous system (CNS) side effects. Infants have a prolonged and irregular gastric emptying time and absorb drugs in the stomach more quickly. Although it may be true that cough medicines taste bad and are difficult to administer, this is not a contraindication to giving them. Infants metabolize drugs more slowly.

Question 2

An infant is receiving a medication that has a narrow therapeutic range. The nurse reviews the medication information and learns that the drug is excreted by the kidneys. When giving the medication, the nurse will assess the infant for:

Accepted Answer

Renal drug excretion is lower in infants, so drugs that are eliminated primarily by renal excretion should be given in reduced doses or at longer intervals. Drugs with a narrow therapeutic range should be monitored closely for toxicity. This drug likely will have intensified effects and be present for a longer time. Nothing indicates that unusual CNS effects will occur because of this alteration in excretion.

Question 3

A prescriber has ordered medication for a newborn. The medication is eliminated primarily by hepatic metabolism. The nurse expects the prescriber to:

Accepted Answer

The drug-metabolizing capacity of newborns is low. As a result, neonates are especially sensitive to drugs that are eliminated primarily by hepatic metabolism. When these drugs are used, dosages must be reduced. Because of the decreased ability of hepatic metabolism in the newborn, a lower dose is required, not a higher dose, and the frequency will not be increased. The medication dosage should be adjusted, not discontinued, for the newborn.

Question 4

A pediatric nurse is teaching nursing students about medication administration in children. Which statement by a student indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Accepted Answer

Drugs have different effects in children for many reasons besides simply the amount of drug per unit of weight. Because two thirds of drugs used in children have never been tested in children, most of our knowledge of their effects is anecdotal and requires research. Infants metabolize drugs more slowly because of immaturity of organ systems that metabolize drugs. Because of differences in metabolism, absorption, and excretion of drugs in infants and children, side effects of drugs also differ. Again, the differences in drug effects are related to many factors, not just size and relative dose.

Question 5

A nurse is caring for an infant after a surgical procedure. After ensuring that the ordered dose is appropriate for the infant's age and weight, the nurse administers a narcotic analgesic intravenously. When assessing the infant 15 minutes later, the nurse notes respirations of 22 breaths per minute and a heart rate of 110 beats per minute. The infant is asleep in the parent's arms and does not awaken when vital signs are assessed. The nurse understands that these findings are the result of:

Accepted Answer

The blood-brain barrier is not as well developed in infants, making them more susceptible to CNS effects of medications. This assessment of the patient reveals no signs of an allergic reaction. Although this infant is somnolent, the vital signs are stable, so toxicity is not a concern. CNS effects are not unexpected with narcotic analgesics, but they may be more pronounced in infants.

Question 6

A pediatric nurse is teaching nursing students to calculate medication doses for children using a formula based on body surface area. Which statement by a nursing student indicates understanding of the teaching?

Accepted Answer

This formula helps determine an approximate first dose for a child that is extrapolated from an adult dose; subsequent doses should be adjusted based on clinical outcome and serum plasma levels. The formula accounts only for differences in weight and not for differences in pharmacokinetic factors. The formula helps determine an effective dose but cannot account for unusual side effects that may occur in children. It may not be effective for all ages because of rapid changes in pharmacokinetics.

Question 7

The parents of a child with asthma ask the nurse why their child cannot use oral corticosteroids more often, because they are so effective. The nurse will offer which information that is true for children?

Accepted Answer

A specific age-related reaction to a drug is growth suppression caused by glucocorticoids. Children with asthma may need these from time to time for acute exacerbations, but chronic use is not recommended. None of the other three effects occurs in either adults or children.

Question 8

A child will receive 750 mg of an antibiotic for 10 days. The child attends day care. The drug may be dosed in several ways and is available in two concentrations. Which dosing regimen will the nurse discuss with the child's provider?

Accepted Answer

To promote adherence to a drug regimen in children, it is important to consider the size and timing of the dose. In this case the preparation containing 500 mg/5 mL means that a smaller volume can be given, which is more palatable to a child. Twice daily dosing is more convenient for parents, especially when a child is in day care or school; it also helps prevent the problem of the medication being left either at home or at school.

Question 9

An infant has allergies and often develops a pruritic rash when exposed to allergens. The infant's parents ask the nurse about using a topical antihistamine. What does the nurse tell them?

Accepted Answer

Drug absorption through the skin is more rapid in infants, because their skin is thinner and has greater blood flow; therefore, infants are at increased risk of toxicity from topical drugs. Because of increased drug absorption through the skin, infants should not be given additional drugs via other routes. If a drug is more likely to be absorbed rapidly, it will have more side effects.

Question 10

A nurse caring for a 5-year-old child notes that the child has discoloration of several teeth. When taking a medication history, the nurse will ask about which group of medications?

Accepted Answer

Tetracyclines cause discoloration in developing teeth in children. Glucocorticoids are associated with growth suppression. Salicylates are associated with Reye's syndrome. Sulfonamides are associated with kernicterus in newborns.

Quiz 10: Drug Therapy in Pediatric Patients