Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse Exam Neonatal Pharmacology 2

Question 1

Dopamine at low doses (1–5 mcg/kg/min) in neonates primarily causes:

Accepted Answer

Renal and mesenteric vasodilation

Answer

Low-dose dopamine acts on dopaminergic receptors to cause renal and mesenteric vasodilation, increasing organ perfusion.

Question 2

A neonate is receiving a prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) infusion. The nurse should monitor for which adverse effect?

Accepted Answer

Apnea

Answer

PGE1 commonly causes apnea in neonates, requiring respiratory support and monitoring for all infants receiving this medication.

Question 3

Which statement about neonatal drug dosing is correct?

Accepted Answer

Neonates have reduced protein binding, increasing free drug availability

Answer

Neonates have lower albumin levels and fetal albumin with reduced binding affinity, resulting in more free (active) drug.

Question 4

Dextrose 10% (D10W) is the standard IV fluid for neonates because:

Accepted Answer

It provides glucose to meet high neonatal metabolic demands and prevent hypoglycemia

Answer

Neonates have limited glycogen stores and high glucose requirements, making D10W the standard maintenance fluid to prevent hypoglycemia.

Question 5

Which medication is used as an antidote for neonatal opioid toxicity?

Accepted Answer

Naloxone

Answer

Naloxone is a pure opioid receptor antagonist used to reverse respiratory depression caused by maternal or neonatal opioid exposure.

Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse Exam Practice Test