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 C
Explanation
The nurse should administer 12.5 mL of amoxicillin oral suspension.
This answer is correct because it is based on a simple ratio and proportion calculation. The nurse can set up a proportion as follows:
200 mg / 5 mL = 500 mg / x mL
Cross-multiplying and solving for x gives:
x = 12.5 mL
Therefore, the nurse should administer 12.5 mL of amoxicillin oral suspension to deliver 500 mg of the medication to the patient.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A lozenge is a type of medication that is designed to dissolve slowly in the mouth, usually to treat sore throat, cough, or oral infections. It should not be divided or crushed for administration because it may alter its effectiveness, taste, or absorption. It should also not be swallowed whole because it may cause choking or irritation.
A capsule is a type of medication that consists of a gelatin shell enclosing a powder or liquid. It can be opened and sprinkled on soft food or mixed with water for administration unless it is an extended-release or enteric-coated capsule.
A scored tablet is a type of medication that has a groove or indentation on its surface to facilitate breaking into equal halves or quarters. It can be divided along the score line for administration unless it is an extended-release or enteric-coated tablet.
An unscored tablet is a type of medication that does not have a groove or indentation on its surface. It can be crushed or cut into smaller pieces for administration unless it is an extended-release or enteric-coated tablet.
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