Under which circumstance should a pediatric medication dose calculated from an adult dose be avoided?
If the drug insert does not specify a pediatric dose
If the child has an elevated temperature that has not responded to treatment
If the child has gained or lost weight in the past month
If the drug insert states that the medication is not for pediatric use
The Correct Answer is D
To answer this question, we need to understand the principles of pediatric dosage calculations and the factors that affect them. Pediatric dosages are usually calculated based on the child's weight or body surface area, and sometimes adjusted for age, organ function, or disease severity¹. However, not all medications that are used in adults are safe or effective in children. Some medications may have different pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, adverse effects, or interactions in children than in adults².
Therefore, it is important to check the drug insert or label for any contraindications, warnings, or precautions for pediatric use before prescribing or administering a medication to a child. If the drug insert states that the medication is not for pediatric use, it means that the medication has not been tested or approved for use in children, or that it has been shown to be harmful or ineffective in children. In this case, a pediatric dose calculated from an adult dose should be avoided, as it may result in serious toxicity or therapeutic failure. The healthcare provider should consult a pediatric specialist, a pharmacist, or a reliable drug reference for alternative medications or dosing recommendations.
The other options are not correct because they do not necessarily warrant avoiding a pediatric dose calculated from an adult dose.
Option a. If the drug insert does not specify a pediatric dose, it means that there is insufficient data or evidence to support a specific pediatric dose, but it does not mean that the medication is contraindicated or unsafe in children. The healthcare provider should use clinical judgment and available resources to determine the appropriate dose for the child³.
Option b. If the child has an elevated temperature that has not responded to treatment, it means that the child may have an infection or inflammation that may affect the absorption, distribution, metabolism, or excretion of some medications. The healthcare provider should monitor the child's condition and adjust the dose accordingly, but it does not mean that the medication should be avoided altogether⁴.
Option c. If the child has gained or lost weight in the past month, it means that the child's weight may have changed significantly since the last dose calculation. The healthcare provider should weigh the child and recalculate the dose based on the current weight, but it does not mean that the medication should be avoided altogether.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This is another dosage calculation problem. To solve it, we need to use the formula:
Caloric need ÷ Calories per mL 1000 = Formula per day
In this case, the caloric need is 2250 calories, and the calories per mL is 2000/1000 = 2. Plugging these values into the formula, we get:
2250 ÷ 2 × 1000 = 1125
Therefore, the client would need **1125 mL** of formula per day to meet the calorie requirements.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. It is usually injected into the fat layer just under the skin (subcutaneous or SubQ) using a syringe and needle or a pen-like device². Insulin syringes are marked in units of insulin, not milliliters or cubic centimeters. The most common insulin syringe holds 1 mL of fluid and has markings for 100 units of insulin². A U-100 syringe means that for every 1 mL of fluid, there are 100 units of insulin³.
To administer 14 units of insulin, you would need to draw up 0.14 mL of fluid in a U-100 syringe. You would inject the insulin into your abdomen, upper arm, butocks, hip, or the front or side of the thigh¹. You would use a different area within the site each time you inject insulin to prevent lumps, swelling, or thickened skin¹.
The other options are incorrect because:
b) There is no need to divide the dose into two injections. This would increase the risk of infection and pain.
c) A tuberculin syringe is not designed for insulin administration. It is marked in milliliters or cubic centimeters, not units of insulin. Using a tuberculin syringe could result in an incorrect dose of insulin.
d) The timing of insulin administration depends on the type and duration of insulin. Some insulins are taken before meals, some are taken after meals, and some are taken once or twice a day. The primary healthcare provider should specify when to take the insulin.
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