Medication Administration Flashcards

A 4-year-old (18 kg) requires IV morphine for pain. The standard pediatric dose is 0.1 mg/kg. What is the correct dose?

Answer: 1.8 mg

0.1 mg/kg × 18 kg = 1.8 mg is the correct weight-based dose.

Which route of administration provides the most rapid onset of action for a pediatric patient in anaphylaxis?

Answer: Intramuscular (IM)

IM epinephrine, given in the anterolateral thigh, provides rapid absorption and is the preferred route in anaphylaxis.

A nurse is preparing to administer adenosine 0.1 mg/kg IV to a 20 kg child for SVT. What dose should be prepared?

Answer: 2 mg

0.1 mg/kg × 20 kg = 2 mg; adenosine must be followed by a rapid saline flush due to its extremely short half-life.

When administering IV push medications through a peripheral IV in a pediatric patient, what is the most important step before injection?

Answer: Verify patency by flushing with normal saline

Confirming IV patency with a saline flush prevents extravasation and ensures the medication reaches systemic circulation.

A 6-year-old receives a medication that causes acute dystonia. Which drug is most commonly associated with this reaction in pediatric emergency patients?

Answer: Metoclopramide (Reglan)

Metoclopramide is a dopamine antagonist and is the most common cause of drug-induced acute dystonia in children.

Which pediatric weight-based dosing reference is recommended by ACEP and PALS for use during resuscitation?

Answer: Broselow-Luten tape

The Broselow-Luten tape correlates length with weight to provide pre-calculated drug doses and equipment sizes during resuscitation.

A 3-year-old needs rectal diazepam for status epilepticus. What is the most critical nursing action after administration?

Answer: Hold buttocks together for several minutes to ensure retention

Holding the buttocks together for 3–5 minutes prevents expulsion and ensures adequate drug absorption.