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

Question

Quizplus · 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.

A Prescriber Has Ordered Medication for a Newborn