Chapter 07: Pediatric Pharmacology

Chapter 07: Pediatric Pharmacology

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. The nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a 6-month-old infant. The nurse will monitor closely for signs of drug toxicity based on the knowledge that, compared to adults, infants have

a.	an increased percentage of total body fat.
b.	immature hepatic and renal function.
c.	more protein receptor sites.
d.	more rapid gastrointestinal transit time.

 

 

ANS:  B

The liver and kidneys are the primary organs for metabolism and excretion and are immature in infants. This allows drugs to accumulate and increases the risk for drug toxicity. Infants have a lower proportion of body fat than adults and fewer protein receptors. They do have more rapid gastrointestinal transit time, but this decreases the amount of drug absorbed.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Understanding (Comprehension)    REF:   Pages 81-82

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Evaluation

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

2. The nurse reviews information about a drug and learns that it is best absorbed in an acidic environment. When giving this drug to a 1-year-old patient, the nurse will expect to administer a dose that will be

a.	equal to an adult dose.
b.	less than an adult dose.
c.	more than an adult dose.
d.	twice the usual adult dose.

 

 

ANS:  C

Because the child’s gastric pH is more alkaline than the adult’s, less drug will be absorbed. Therefore, the dose should be increased.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application)                  REF:   Page 80

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Nursing Intervention

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

3. The nurse assumes care for an infant who is showing signs of drug toxicity to a drug given several hours prior. The nurse checks the dose and confirms that the dose is consistent with standard dosing guidelines. Which characteristic of the drug will likely explain this response in this patient?

a.	It is acidic.
b.	It is highly protein-bound.
c.	It is not fat-soluble.
d.	It is water-soluble.

 

 

ANS:  B

With fewer protein-binding sites, there is more active drug available. This requires a reduction in the dose for infants. Drugs that are acidic are not as readily absorbed in infants, since their gastric pH tends to be more alkaline. Infants have a lower proportion of body fat; fat-soluble drugs would need to be decreased to prevent toxicity. Until about age 2 years of age, pediatric patients require larger than usual doses of water-soluble drugs to achieve therapeutic effects.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application)                  REF:   Page 81

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: N/A

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

4. The parent is concerned about giving a child medication because of the lack of knowledge about the effects of drugs on children. The nurse discusses legislation passed in 2002 and 2003 about pediatric pharmacology. Which is true about these laws?

a.	They forbid providers from prescribing medications unless they have been FDA- approved for use in children.
b.	They mandate consistent, evidence-based dosing guidelines for use in children.
c.	They provide federal grants to fund pediatric pharmaceutical research.
d.	They require drug manufacturers to study pediatric medication use.

 

 

ANS:  D

In 2003, a law known as the Pediatric Research Equity Act joined the Best Pharmaceuticals Act of 2002 to require drug manufacturers to study pediatric medication use and offer incentives for pediatric pharmacology research. Providers are not forbidden to prescribe drugs in children that are not FDA-approved. The laws do not mandate the use of evidence-based guidelines and do not provide grants to fund research.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Understanding (Comprehension)    REF:   Page 80

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: N/A

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies